Source: Nairobi Star
WOMEN account for 65 percent of all new HIV/AIDS infections in Kenya annually. This is according to a report released yesterday by National Aids Control Council. Speaking at the launch of national action plan for mainstreaming gender in HIV responses in Kenya,
Gender minister Naomi Shaban urged men and women to integrate and work as a team to eradicate the deadly disease.
Naomi said there is need for gender dimensions of HIV/AIDS epidemic to be translated into practical tools in decision making, and that programming be done to promote responsiveness within policy formulation and implementation. "The Action Plan will serve as benchmark to facilitate mobilization of stakeholders in the determination and design of prioritized actions, targets and other initiatives," she said.
The minister further said that there is need for acceleration of response, which will act as guide for the coordination of intersecting gender issues within the Kenya national AIDS strategy. Shaban affirmed that if implemented, the action plan will help address gender issues and equality, saying they are critical in maximising impact of programmes.
Reiterating the need to reduce gender disparity, Shaban appealed to civil society to get involved in the fight against HIV. "The plan is a deliberate effort towards the realization of the approach, which emphasizes that human rights, gender equality and responsiveness issues must be addressed across all aspects," she said.
Speaking at the same function, NACC Director Alloys Orago appealed for 'total engagement and commitment' in the fight against HIV menace. "We need to do things differently so as to meet both the national and international targets," he said. Orago asked agencies involved in HIV/AIDS activities to employ smart programming, where resources are properly utilized, and appropriate actions undertaken. Affirming the country's ability to realize an HIV-free society, Orago said "The time for action is now, together we can."
He regretted the prevalence rate among women and called for a deliberate effort to enhance gender mainstreaming, and at the same time urged men and women to work together and promote equality. The report further reveals that 14 percent of young women, who work as sex workers account for new infections, this puts them at risk.