Minister addresses claims of 12,000 students said to have STIs
Kirinyaga County Minister addresses claims of 12,000 students said to have STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Kirinyaga County Minister addresses claims of 12,000 students said to have STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)
On November 28, George Karoki, the Kirinyaga County Executive Committee member (CECM) for medical services, refuted earlier claims that more than 12,000 students had been diagnosed with sexually transmitted infection (STI).
In a letter, the CECM noted that the claims made by the Kirinyaga Central Sub-county Director of Education Kennedy Machora could not be substantiated.
Instead, the official who works under Governor Anne Waiguru said that just 4,409 STI cases were reported for the entire county.
Only 1,345 of the cases came from the sub-county that was the subject of the spotlight.
“The department of Health recorded and treated 1,345 cases of STIs in Kirinyaga Central Sub-county and 4,409 cases in the entire county this year. However, these cases are for the general population and not for a specific cohort of patients.
“Whereas community education to deter our youths from risky sexual behavior must be embraced by all sectors, it is equally important for officers in other departments to consult the health department for accurate data,” stated Karoki.
In his statement, Karoki further maintained that that Machora’s data was extremely exaggerated refuting claims that the county carried out mass STI tests among students.
“We find it very reckless and irresponsible for a Government Officer to make such blanket unsubstantiated statements and would like him to present the source of his information, a failure to which he should be held accountable.
“Our Health Department has a very vibrant public health education and disease prevention program and as a county government we remain unwaveringly committed to offering the highest standards of preventive and curative healthcare services to all our residents, students included,” he added.
In an earlier address to the press, Machora had claimed that in the sub-county, only 4,000 students tested negative for an STI raising an alarm countywide.
He noted that the high figures had necessitated an urgent meeting between the state as well as locals on how to avert the situation.
Also read,
Headteacher stops candidate from sitting the national exam (KPSEA) over personal debt
Outcry over acute shortage of condoms
Tough new rules to curb building collapse
Follow us
