HIV infection is rampant among couples in Baringo

Adults between the age of 25 to 45 have recorded the highest number estimated over 1500 out of the total number of 11,000 infected with HIV/AIDS in Baringo county.

The County AIDS and STI control coordinator Abraham Sumukwo said the county records about 500 new infections annually from patients in stable relationships since the couples don't see the need to observe sex protection measures.

Sumukwo said couples feel that their partners might suspect them of unfaithfulness if they insist of using condoms to prevent HIV infections.

"Couples should learn to practice safe sex despite confidence they have developed over a long period of time and build trust towards each other," Sumukwo noted.

The coordinator noted that there is low prevalence in children who are born with HIV and have identified 386 children under care and treatment out of 1,100 children infected with the virus.

Sumukwo admitted that there is a challenge in reaching the unidentified children as their parents do not see the need to put them under treatment since they observe no symptoms at early stages.

In some instances mothers don't disclose to their spouses about their status for fear of being disowned thus leaving the baby to live with the infection even after advise from the doctors, Sumukwo added.

The coordinator said 276 mothers tested positive but 230 mothers use antiretriviral drugs since most of them come from nearby counties who inturn deliver in other clinics.

"Mothers who come from nearby counties for testing chose to deliver in other clinics thus widening the gap of unidentified," Sumukwo stated.

Sumukwo said increased rate of HIV infections have been recorded in major towns such as Kabarnet, Marigat, Mogotio and Eldama Ravine with their neighbourhoods.

He said Marigat and Eldama Ravine resulted from Kambi Turkana and Nubian slums respectively while Mogotio situation is encouraged by the sisal plantations.

However, Sumukwo noted that the infectection rate of the HIV scourge is at 3% which he termed as a plateau level in the county and that 3,230 adults are on ARVs while 3,300 are on septrin.

Sumukwo stated that the county healty education department have plans to educate youths in schools on the need to delay sexual activity among the youths and initiate a program to train couples on the importance of applying preventive maesures during sexual activity.