Homosexuals, Drug Users Contribute 30% of New HIV Infection

Courtesy of Behind the Mask

Kenya’s National Aids and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Program (NASCOP) is considering supplying free syringes to drug injecting users and incorporating gay and lesbian HIV mitigation programmes in its National Control Aids Plans. This follows a revelation by NASCOP that homosexuals and drug users contribute to 30% of new HIV infections in the country.

Earlier this month, church leaders condemned cabinet minister, Eshter Murugi, after she called for recognition of homosexuals in the fight against the spread of HIV and AIDS.

Meanwhile Kenya’s national women’s movement Maendeleo ya Wanawake has challenged minorities and marginalized groups to stand up and vie for political leadership created under the new constitution.

Its national secretary general Alice Kirambi said the time has come for the minorities to fight for parliamentary, Senate and governor seats.

“These are legislative and governance offices where laws are enacted and decisions made and this time round we want the minorities and the marginalized to come on board so that they become decision makers on issues that affect them, particularly on human rights and gender”, Kirambi explained.