A section of Thika sex workers have unveiled an initiative aimed at enlightening the public on the need to engage in safe sex.
Working closely with a non-governmental organisation, Aphia Plus Kamili, the initiative is expected to cover the entire Thika sub-county and its immediate environs.
Speaking during the launch, the group’s chairlady, Esther Mueni, raised concerns over the upward trend on HIV and Aids spread in the region, saying that immediate action was needed to lower the infection rate.
“Thika being a town with a huge number of sex workers has witnessed a rapid growth of infections. We cannot just sit down and watch as beloved ones as well as our customers get infected,” she said.
She added that the growing population of sex workers in Thika town has been fuelled by the increasing institutions of higher learning as well as the high unemployment rate.
According to Aphia Plus’ David Shungu, the initiative targets to distribute more than 7,200 condoms in the sub-county for both males and females in efforts to address the need for safe sex.
“The rate of HIV and Aids spread is worrying as youths are not taking adequate precautions to alleviate the situation. The sale of contraceptive pills is higher indicating that unprotected sex is on the rise,” he said.
The sensitising campaign that kicked off on Sunday is set to end when all areas with the sub-county are fully covered.