15 August 2007
Nairobi — The National Aids Control Council (NACC) has introduced self testing method for HIV.
NACC director Alloys Orago said the kit requires one to swab in the mouth instead of getting the blood samples.
And the results will be out in 20 minutes, he said.
However, those who will prefer using the self-testing method, he said, will first be required to undergo counselling to prepare them psychologically.
External donors
"It is good for people to know their status, which will also help us to plan for the services that are required," the director said.
The kits are available for sale to the public.
He said the NACC was distributing 11,000 condoms every month, adding that out of the number only five per cent are for women.
"This is because women condoms are more expensive than the one for men," he said.
Meanwhile, Kenya is to receive about Sh7.3 billion from external donors to help in the fight against HIV and Aids.
Prof Orago said NACC had already signed a credit of $80 million (about Sh5.3 billion) with the World Bank, while a further $30 million (about 1.9 billion) grant, is expected from the UK's Department for International Development (DFID).
The money, he said will be used to support Total War on Aids (TOWA) Project.
Good progress
TOWA, a project of the NACC, he explained, is the first of its kind to be started in the country and it has brought together major development partners to support the National HIV and Aids Strategic Plan 2005/06 to 2009/10 (KNASP).
According to the report the country is making a good progress in the fight against HIV and Aids
The World Bank had suspended funding for projects related to HIV and Aids in 2005 over misuse of the money.
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