Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga has urged parents to protect their sons from HIV infections in the same way they safeguard daughters. Speaking at a school event, he stressed the dangers posed by early marriages and new infections to children's lives. He pointed out a decline in HIV prevalence in the county but called for continued vigilance.
Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga has called for protecting boys from behaviors that contribute to the spread of HIV, emphasizing that they deserve the same safeguards as girls. He made the remarks at God Ber Secondary School in Kakelo Kokanyo Ward, Rachuonyo East Sub-County, after leading a fundraising drive to rehabilitate the school's infrastructure during the school closure period.
"Early marriages and new infections contribute to endangering children's lives regarding HIV. Parents should stay vigilant and keep track of their children at all times," Magwanga stated.
According to data from the National Syndromic Disease Surveillance Council (NSDCC), HIV prevalence in Homa Bay has dropped from 15.1% in 2023 to 10.6% in 2024. However, these rates remain high compared to the national average. Homa Bay is among the five counties with the highest HIV infection rates, followed by Nairobi, Migori, Kisumu, and Busia.
Magwanga added that the current school holiday presents an opportunity for parents to monitor their children closely. "A parent must know where their child is. Moreover, just as girls are protected against defilement, boys also deserve the same," he said.
This appeal comes amid national efforts to combat HIV, where counties like Homa Bay require intensified prevention measures among youth.