The Health Sector revealed some shocking statistics in relation to the prevention of HIV/AIDS. They reported that the Safari rally that happened in Naivasha showed some shocking statistics of youths who have abandoned condoms as a way of preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS.
It was revealed that many youths requested for Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) which are tablets used to prevent one from getting HIV/AIDS after one has already engaged in unprotected sex with someone who they do not know their status.
The Head of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council Dr. Ruth Laibon-Masha voiced her concerns and said that the trend could lead to an abuse of the PEP tablets and they may not be used for their intended purpose.
She said that the youths who were requesting for the PEP tablets and their excuse is that they were using condoms but burst which to some extent may not be very true. Some of them also said that by the time they were having sex they were really drunk and that is why they want the tablets to prevent them from HIV/AIDS.
More than 100 trained Health practitioners were sent to reach out to the youths during the Safari rally. The statistics showed that they reached a total of over 15,000 youths within the three days and some were tested, others received condoms and over 200,000 condoms were distributed.
Dr. Ruth Laibon-Masha slammed the youths and said that they are the group that seeks for help after damage has already happened. She added that what they could have sought for is Pre-exposure drugs (Prep) which should also be taken seven days’ prior before engaging in the act.
The sad part is that even the PEP is not 100% accurate and last year a total of 117 people who were tested turned positive even after taking PEP. This is because they went late.
