Young people have been accused of ignorance and engaging in unsafe sexual practices that have led to the spread of the HIV/Aids virus not only in Nakuru but the country as a whole.
This is according to National Aids Control Council (NACC) county regional coordinator Hillary Chepsiror who says the society has neglected their role of guiding young people who have in turn opted for the internet to get information about sex and other sex-related topics.
Speaking in his office on Wednesday after the World Aids Day celebrations, Chepsiror noted that people should make it a habit to visit the infected and affected, and advising those living careless lives and ensuring that they personally lead good lifestyles.
He regretted the growing number of young HIV victims in Naivasha, Mai Mahiu, Kabatini, Kia Maina, Mercy Njeri, Gilgil, Salgaa, Kikopey and Nakuru town in the recent years at a 5.7% infection rate.
“As a council, we are concerned at the infection levels being caused because our youths are engaging in child prostitution, drug and substance abuse. The real issue here is, who is to blame for the irresponsible behaviour being depicted by our youth?” he posed.
The NACC regional boss called on parents to be cautious about what their teenage children engage in this festive season while in the company of their peers saying that it is during such periods that a majority engage in dangerous behaviour in the name of having fun.
In a research done by the Council in September, Nakuru was ranked among top ten counties with the highest HIV/Aids infection rates something Chepsiror believes can be changed with the right mentality, cooperation between stakeholders and an accommodative society ready to sacrifice time and resources for the sake of fighting the disease.