The Department of Health in Kiambu County in conjunction with the National Syndemic Disease Control Council are conducting a HIV and AIDs sensitization program targeting boda-boda operators
The sensitization program that started last month will be conducted in all the 12 sub counties in Kiambu County with Limuru, Lari and Kiambu sub counties having already benefited from the outreach.
This project aims at sensitizing the boda-boda riders due to the nature of their job which places them at the highest risk of contracting and transmitting HIV and Aids.
According to Dr Karanja Kimani a Doctor at the Kiambu Level 5 hospital who was present during the exercise at Kiambu sub county, the outreach program for boda boda riders will address vulnerability, prevention, testing, counselling and treatment of HIV and Aids.
“Without adequate equipped health facilities for testing brought to them at their places of work the bodaboda operators may not be able to get access to the appropriate services and proper information regarding HIV prevention and medication,” said Dr Kimani.
He added that the sensitization reduces congestion in hospitals since they don’t have to visit the hospital and cause long queues to get the service.
“Among other services offered were Covid-19 vaccination and testing of diabetes and blood pressure” added Kimani, noting that they were also giving the residents the Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 vaccine and the vaccine boosters.
Dr. Kimani also disclosed that they also registered people under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and informed them on the importance of having healthcare insurance.
NHIF regional director Jenifer Karanja who was also present at the exercise said the riders have also gotten a chance to register and renew their National Health insurance cover
“We have registered 55 new people into the system and renewed 20 accounts so far and we are still hoping for more people before the end of the exercise,” said Karanja.
Brinna Otindo a resident at Riabai Kiambu County was one of the riders who benefitted.
“I am thankful for the medical checkup because I have been tested for HIV, gotten my blood pressure and sugar levels checked and I have also received AstraZeneca covid 19 vaccination and I am happy” he said.
By Apondi Abila and Grace Naishoo
