The Star (Nairobi)

Kenya: HIV Patients in Narok 'Still Facing Stigma'

By Kiplang'at Kirui, 8 December 2012
Photo: Wendy Stone/IRIN
HIV test being carried out (file photo).

Narok North residents still associate HIV/AIDS with promiscuity and stigmatise those who have the disease.

Constituency Aids Control Coordinator Kenneth Passiany said majority of people found to be HIV positive keep it a secret and do not disclose it to their sexual partners due to fear of being discriminated.

Speaking in Narok town yesterday, Passiany said statistics recorded about new HIV infections and the numbers of deaths arising from these complications are due to stigmatization.

He said stigma has led to a majority of HIV/AIDS patients withdrawing from ARVs as some fear being seen going to collect medicine.

"Some patients would rather travel long distances to get their medicine while others opt for traditional healers all in the name of keeping their status a secret," he sai.

A study carried out last month in the district, found that 90% of men would not tell their wives of their status.

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