A Non-governmental Oranisation (NGO) has set aside Sh1.7 billion fund the fight the HIV pandemic in Homa Bay County.
Center for Disease Control (CDC) has money will be used in various programmes dealing with HIV and AIDS control and treatment.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call to Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti, CDC Country Director Marc Bulterys said the funds will be channelled through various non- governmental organisations dealing with AIDS control in the county.
A non-governmental Organisation, Elizabeth Glazier Pediatric Foundation (EGP) will get the largest share of the funds.
“We are committed to the fight against HIV control and medication in this county. The funds will help improve health of Homa Bay residents,” said Bulterys.
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Bulterys said their objective is to partner with the county government in the fight against diseases in the county.
Awiti said his administration had prioritised the fight against HIV and AIDS, adding that the concerted effort of his administration and NGOs had enabled reduction of HIV prevalence rate from 26.7 per cent in 2013 to the current 20.7 per cent.
“The fight against HIV requires concerted from my administration and development partners. We will always strive to improve wellbeing of our people,” said Awiti.
Awiti appealed to CDC to help his administration equip a Sh21m blood bank which has been constructed at the county referral hospital.
“We are appealing for your support to help us in equipping our blood bank to cushion patients from lack of blood,” said Awiti.
Awiti’s deputy Milton Orata said the blood bank will also be able to support patients in hospitals in Migori, Nyamira and Kisii counties.
“Most hospitals in South Nyanza region experience blood shortage. If we equip it, we will be able to support other health facilities in this region,” said Orata.
Dr Bulterys said his office will discuss the request on blood bank equipment and make a decision later.
