New initiative against HIV spread welcome

There is a real risk of eroding the gains made against the HIV and Aids pandemic if a constant eye is not kept upon vulnerable groups in society. The monies poured into managing the scourge run into billions of shillings, dispersed through groups and programmes from national level to grassroots community-based teams.

Government long realised the danger of letting the scourge literally obliterate sections of society and has since 1986 taken firm and proactive steps to address the problem.

National Aids and STD Control Programme went a step further to set up wellness centres along the Trans Africa highway as long distance lorry drivers and commercial sex workers interact at Mlolongo, Emali, Ports, Salgaa, Nakuru, Mai Mahiu and Busia.

These clinics would provide services on HIV testing and Sexually Transmitted Diseases diagnosis by providing condoms as a first barrier to the spread of the Aids-causing virus.

Round the clock

While we are not exaggerating the threat of Aids to the economy, it is important to applaud every significant effort targeting its management even as researchers work round the clock in search of preventive vaccines and perhaps a cure.

With Kenya getting about 100,000 new HIV infections annually, it is obvious this is a clear and present danger. And, statistics showing there were 1.4 million people living with HIV/Aids in the country as at 2007, point to the urgency of the task.