Trans Nzoia County Leaders Sound Alarm Over High Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission Rate

Category: Health Sevices & Sanitation

Date: December 1, 2024

Trans Nzoia County's mother-to-child HIV transmission rate of 13.1% has sparked concern among health leaders, urging urgent interventions and community action to address the issue during World AIDS Day commemorations.

Trans Nzoia County Health and Sanitation CEC, Sam Ojwang, has raised the alarm over the county’s 13.1% rate of mother-to-child HIV transmission, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention. Speaking during World AIDS Day commemorations at Milimani Primary School, Ojwang described the situation as a threat to the county’s future.

“The future of any country depends on its children, but if our children are born with HIV, our future will be doomed,” he stated, urging stakeholders to collaborate in combating the crisis.

HIV Prevalence in Trans Nzoia
With an HIV prevalence of 3.2%, Trans Nzoia ranks 10th nationwide, highlighting the critical need for targeted interventions to curb new infections. Ojwang called for behavior change among youth, men, and women to reduce transmission rates and protect future generations.

Support from Partners in the Fight Against HIV
Irine Lopakale, USAID AMPATH Uzima Program Coordinator, reiterated the importance of testing, treatment, and behavior change in eradicating HIV/AIDS. She emphasized that HIV is preventable and encouraged community efforts to end the stigma surrounding the disease.

“HIV is preventable, and we can eradicate it. Together, we can overcome this pandemic,” Lopakale noted, urging individuals to prioritize knowing their HIV status.

Reflecting on Progress and Challenges
Joyce Lakyabai, NASCOP Coordinator for Trans Nzoia County, highlighted the significance of World AIDS Day as a time to reflect on lives lost and celebrate progress in HIV management.

“Decades ago, we didn’t have antiretroviral drugs, and the loss was immense. Today, we celebrate milestones in care and programming,” she remarked, adding that widespread testing and treatment have brought the country closer to epidemic control.

Theme of World AIDS Day 2024
Under the theme Raising Against Time, stakeholders at the event emphasized the urgency of addressing HIV/AIDS through sustained community engagement, resources, and education. The goal remains to achieve zero mother-to-child transmissions and reduce overall prevalence rates in Trans Nzoia County.

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