Stigma has been noted as the greatest contributor to the increased high rate of HIV/Aids victimisation in Gusii land.
Paul Obwogo, a medical doctor working with the Oresi health centre in Kisii town, observes that majority of the residents -majorly from rural areas- do not believe in the pandemic’s existence. Dr Obwogo says that most of the people with HIV seek help from traditional herbalists and sorcerers.
He is calling on religious leaders to inform people about the reality of the disease. He also accused some of them of giving false advice to victims making them more vulnerable causing them to die prematurely.
“I once offered counselling to a person living with HIV and she confessed that her religious leader had prayed for her and she no longer needed ARVS,” noted Dr Obwogo.
He added that the lady later died.
According to the latest indicator report, Kisii County has 73,300 people living with HIV. Dr Obwogo says there are several new infections due to ignorance and secret wife inheritance.