Cultural beliefs hindering fight against HIV/AIDS

National AIDS Control Council (NACC) argue that traditional beliefs and practices are some of the factors hindering the fight against HIV/AIDS in Embu County.

NACC Deputy Director Policy, Strategy and Communication, John Kamigwi, said that such practices needed to be addressed in order to help reduce HIV/AIDS prevalence in the county.

“Customary issues surrounding practices such as Female Genital Mutilation which is still being practiced in Embu tend to promote HIV,” he said during the launch of the five year HIV/AIDS strategic plan in Embu.

He further cited religious beliefs as another contributing factor to the increase of HIV/AIDS cases as some people may not seek medical attention for treatment when they are ailing.

“Some people do not believe in going to hospital, even when they know that there is medicine. They will not take it and may even discourage others who are taking medicine.”

Kamigwi said that a plan has been set in motion to by the Ministry of Education and the Health among other partners to educate the youth on the importance of prevention.

Embu Governor, Martin Wambora, echoed Kamigwi’s sentiments saying that so far the plan has been successful with Embu County realizing a decline in HIV prevalence from 5.9% in 2014 to the current 2.6%.

“We are optimistic that we can manage this menace exceedingly in the next few years.”

Written by Velma Barasa