Homa Bay County is experiencing a condom shortage as organisations advocating for sexual and reproductive health rights urge prompt action to stop the spread of HIV infections.
The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council Regional Manager Steven Oyugi confirmed the crisis has plagued the South Nyanza county for the past three months.
“Other counties are affected as well. There are delays in the procurement process,” Oyugi said.
On Saturday, activists in Homa Bay expressed their worries that HIV transmission may increase should the status quo remain.
Youth Advocacy Council for Health leader Mercy Kwamboka said condoms should be supplied to the county as soon as possible.
“There is a need for a faster supply of condoms in Homa Bay to curb possible HIV infections. Schools are closed and adolescents are likely to engage in risky sexual behaviours,” Kwamboka said.
Several youths expressed deep concern about the crisis during the International Youth Week celebrations that concluded on Monday.
The celebration is being supported by Ipas, an international, non-governmental organisation seeking to increase access to reproductive health.
Relevant agencies have been urged to address the challenge.
Kwamboka said their spot checks revealed that most dispensers in Homa Bay lack the free condoms donated by the government.
According to the Kenya Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment 2018 report, Homa Bay is the leading county in HIV prevalence at 19.6 per cent.
Young people have since undertaken a heightened social media campaign to push the government to supply condoms.
County HIV coordinator Omondi Obunga urged residents to abstain from irresponsible sex as the government tries to address the situation.
“Condoms may not be enough but we should not lose focus on the fight against HIV infections,” Obunga said.
Homa Bay director at the State Department of Youth Affairs Elector Opar said triple threat — new HIV infection, gender-based violence and defilement— is still a major health risk that faces Homa Bay.
“Mental health challenges are also a concern as it affects youths. Let’s work together to fight the challenges,” Opar said
Zahra Hassan, an official from the office of Governor Gladys Wanga said the county government will continue to push for an end to the triple threat.
She said leaders have a role in ensuring youth and children live in an environment free from any form of violence.
Hassan said they are leveraging digital communications to address challenges affecting the youth.
“Homa Bay government is running scholarship and mentorship programmes meant to empower youth and children,” Hassan said.
