Big Blow as circumcision of LUO MEN fails to reduce HIV/AIDS infections in Nyanza

Wednesday September 11, 2013 - The new survey released by Health Cabinet Secretary, James Macharia yesterday, indicates that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS rose in Nyanza and Central Provinces.

This is a big blow to the efforts and intiatives that have been put forth of circumcising Luo men to reduce the new HIV infections.

The Ministry of Health and other NGOs have in the recent past mounted agressive campaigns including free incentives and cash rewards to Luo men to woo them to undergo voluntary circumcision as a strategy to reduce HIV infections in Nyanza.

However, according to the new survey, the efforts seem to have exacerbated the situation as HIV infection increased from the previous 14.9% to 15.1%.

The increase in prevalence is alluded to the ignorance of Luo men who think they can't contract HIV after being circumcised, a notion that drives many to be sexually lose [sic].

The survey also indicates that the prevalence in Nyanza province alone is big enough to double the national average prevalence.

In Central Province, the prevalence increased from 3.5% to 3.8%.