Stigma and discrimination shown to the people living with HIV/Aids have been pointed out as the main reason why fighting the disease has been slow in Nyamira County.
According to the county regional Aids coordinator Cyrus Onkundi, most of the residents haven’t accepted their status as they fear being discriminated against by society hence an increase in deaths associated with the disease.
“There has been a decrease in the number of infections although that can’t be really proved because most of the residents fear to go for testing. There is a need for them to ensure they know their statuses so as to start early treatment which is free in public hospitals,” he added.
The coordinator also called on parents to talk openly to their children regarding the virus and ensure that they advise them accordingly.
The official was addressing residents at Nyamira charter hall on Thursday to mark the World Aids Day.