Members of the public have been challenged to maintain discipline during the Christmas and New Year festivities as a measure to help mitigate the escalating spread of HIV/AIDS.
Addressing heads of departments in his Christmas message, Trans Nzoia County Commissioner (CC) Gideon Oyagi raised an alarm on the escalating numbers of new HIV infections in the region, saying the figures are worrying.
According to statistics released on Kenya HIV estimates 2024 by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, a total of 24,207 people in Trans Nzoia County live with the virus, which translates to a prevalence rate of 2.9 per cent.
From the figures, 22,802 people living with the virus are adults, whereas 1,405 are children below 14 years.
HIV prevalence among females is twice as high compared to males. From the 24,207 people living with the virus, 15,720 are females, whereas the rest are males.
In terms of sub-counties, Kiminini Sub County ranks top with 7,017 people living with HIV, followed by Saboti with 5,951 people, as Cherangany ranks third with 5,238 people.
Kwanza ranks fourth with 4,745, whereas Endebess, which has the lowest number of people infected with the virus, comes last with 1,255 people.
The statistics drew the concern of the County Commissioner, who has challenged stakeholders to critically interrogate the figures and take proper action to help arrest the trend.
By Isaiah Nayika
