Siaya County Records Low Rates of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission
Written by admin on August 16, 2024
Siaya County has recorded low rates of HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, according to a report by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC).
The county recorded the lowest mother-to-child HIV transmission rate from 21 per cent to 4.3 per cent compared to the national rate of 8.6 per cent.
The low mother-to-child HIV transmission rate has been linked to the Siaya County government’s partnership with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Speaking during a meeting with Siaya Governor James Orengo, CDC Global Health Center Director Kayla Laserson said she was pleased with the progress made in working with Siaya County government.
Laserson commended other partners who have worked with Siaya County to reduce TB, malaria and HIV infections.
“Siaya County has been very instrumental in research on malaria, TB and HIV. Their findings have contributed to the development of key policies that have transformed the health sector and that is why we are here to identify gaps and priorities that will support and sustain the gains made,” said Laserson.
She further mentioned that the interventions being implemented in Siaya are global interventions and therefore the county is promoting global public health.
Siaya HIV coordinator Silvia Imbuye noted that they have embraced the Government to Government (G to G) strategy where six sites are piloted.
“Currently we have 49 sites being supported by G to G which is a very strong stride towards sustainability. In the 97,000 patients under care in Siaya almost a third are patients handled through G-to-G facilities,” said Imbuye.
She added that through the Department of health, they are doing mentorship programs as part of sustainability initiatives.
