'Mitumba’ traders linked to rising HIV spread

Traders go about their business at Kibuye market in Kisumu county in a file photo. A new study has shown ‘mitumba’ dealers have wide networks and multiple partners [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Highly mobile women traders have been identified as the new source of HIV infections in Kenya and the East African region.

These migrating traders, a new study shows, who live a risky lifestyle including long absence away from home, are likely to have multiple partners and with high rates of HIV infections.