There is need for continued sensitization campaigns for Homa Bay residents against the spread of Covid-19 due to its high rate of HIV-Aids prevalence.
Speaking on Sunday at Magina Chief’s Camp in South Kabuoch ward during the launch of corona virus awareness campaign, the Ndhiwa MP, Martin Owino challenged the County leaders to work together and sensitise residents on prevention of the deadly virus.
Owino argued that the underlying opportunistic diseases associated with HIV-Aids can easily make residents lose their lives should they contract the corona virus.
Homa Bay has high number of people living with HIV-Aids across the country.
According to the Kenya Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (Kenphia) report released in February this year, the county’s HIV prevalence is 19.6 per cent.
The MP said the statistics put Homa Bay residents at higher risk of losing lives should many of them contract the coronavirus.
Some of the underlying ailments that come with HIV-Aids are Tuberculosis (TB), Pneumonia, and Cancer.
Health experts argue that people with the pre-existing health conditions can easily die if they contract coronavirus.
“The immune systems of people living with HIV-Aids are weak and they can die easily it they contract other infections such as covid-19,” Owino said.
The legislator urged the national, county government and health stakeholders to put more efforts in preventive measures against spread of Covid-19 in the area.
Homa Bay has recorded three positive cases of covid-19 so far.
“It’s important we don’t have alarming spread of the virus in Homa Bay. As stakeholders we must not relent on ways of preventing the spread of covid-19 in this county,” Owino said.
During the exercise Owino distributed more than 10000 face masks,150 water tanks, 220 sanitizers and more than 500 bars of soap to bodaboda riders, people with disability, children, women traders, security officers and health workers.
Owino expressed concern that many people still do not wear face masks appropriately.
“Don`t put masks below your chins. The mask should cover both your mouth and nose to get protected.”
He urged residents to continue sleeping under treated mosquito nets to avoid contracting malaria.
More than 300 community health volunteers have also been engaged to conduct the covid-19 campaign awareness in Kanyamwa-Kologi, Kanyamwa-Kosewe,
Kanyikela, Kabuoch North, Kwabwai and Kanyadoto wards.
By Dan Oduor/Davis Langat
