The National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) has launched a comprehensive outreach program aimed at curbing the surge of HIV infections within the fishing community of Kisumu County. With a strategic focus on bolstering preventative measures, NSDCC intends to equip 140 Beach Management Unit (BMU) leaders with the necessary skills to spearhead the battle against the virus.
Under the initiative, these selected BMU leaders will undergo a rigorous Training of Trainers program designed to empower them with knowledge on combating new HIV infections, tackling teenage pregnancies, and addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Subsequently, these trained leaders will cascade vital information to approximately 700 individuals within their respective communities.
Steve Kathaka, the Regional HIV/AIDS Coordinator for Kisumu and Siaya, emphasized the urgency of targeting the fishing community due to the alarming increase in new infections within this demographic. Kathaka attributed this surge to the transient nature of fishermen and the prevalent practice of transactional sex fueled by readily available cash.
Furthermore, the region has witnessed a disturbing uptick in teenage pregnancies, with approximately 6,000 cases reported in Kisumu County alone in 2022. Kathaka highlighted the intersecting risks, as pregnant teenagers become susceptible to HIV transmission, exacerbating the public health crisis.
Additionally, Kathaka shed light on the pervasive issue of SGBV among fisherfolk, particularly in Nyakach, Nyando, and Seme sub-counties. He attributed this phenomenon to the prolonged absences of fishermen from their families, leading to heightened tensions upon their return.
The outreach program, launched at Asat Beach in Kisumu County, is slated to span three days and will encompass a spectrum of interventions. BMU leaders will receive training not only on HIV prevention but also on the utilization of PREP and PEP, as well as adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and Tuberculosis (TB) drugs.
Addressing challenges of adherence within the fishing community, Kathaka underscored the importance of carrying medication while engaging in fishing activities. Neglecting to do so, he emphasized, disrupts treatment regimens and compromises health outcomes.
Moreover, NSDCC aims to raise awareness about non-communicable diseases, particularly cervical cancer, which is on the rise in the area. Kathaka highlighted the correlation between Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and uncircumcised men, prompting NSDCC to intensify efforts in promoting Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision as a preventative measure.
These multifaceted interventions underscore NSDCC’s commitment to instigating a paradigm shift in HIV prevention and healthcare delivery within the fishing community. By empowering BMU leaders and fostering community engagement, NSDCC endeavors to stem the tide of new infections and safeguard public health in Kisumu County.
Kisumu City News
…
