Rift Valley — Over 30 imams and 82 Muslim youth from across the Rift Valley province in Kenya, attended a three-day training aimed at equipping the participants with skills and knowledge on how to deal with HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The training was organized by the Kenya Council of Imams and Preachers (KCIU) in collaboration with the National Aids Control Council (NACC).

According to a weekly newsletter called Friday Bulletin,"The training will equip the preachers with the relevant knowledge to counsel the Ummah in matters related to HIV/AIDS and specifically couples to help reduce the risk of the spread of HIV/AIDS in the community," the coordinator of KCIU Rift Valley region Ish'aq Mahmoud said.

He added that the training was also vital for the youth who were meant to positively influence the behaviour of others in the society to ensure the spread of the disease is minimised. It is also intended to equip them with enough communication and counseling skills to help them counsel the affected and infected.

The participants of the training were drawn from various districts in the province that included: Nakuru, Kajiado, Molo, Naivasha, Narok, Baringo, Koibatek, Laikipia and Samburu among others.

KCIU's mission is to build the Community's capacity on religion, health, education and socio-economic welfare through religious preaching, advocacy, care and support in partnership with other organizations and the Government of Kenya.