By Francis Kioko
Date 23 May 2024
Kitui County Governor, Dr. Julius Malombe, addressed attendees at the “Kitui County Transition Roadmap to a Sustainable HIV/TB Program 2023-2027” launch today. In his speech, he highlighted the persistent challenges and progress in the fight against HIV and tuberculosis (TB) in the region and worldwide.Dr. Malombe acknowledged the long-standing presence of HIV in Kitui and globally, expressing gratitude for the advancements in medical treatments that have significantly slowed the spread of these diseases.
He emphasized the importance of eradicating stigma towards those living with HIV/AIDS and TB, urging the community to foster a supportive environment.He made a heartfelt plea to the residents of Kitui to undergo testing for HIV and TB. “Early detection is crucial,” he said, “as it allows for timely treatment, mitigating the risks associated with late diagnosis.”Dr. Malombe extended his thanks to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for their unwavering support. He noted that Kitui County has benefited from 750 million KES in aid, while global contributions have surpassed 1 trillion .
Despite this generous support, he emphasized the need for self-reliance, announcing that Kitui County has devised plans to sustain these vital health programs independently through an initiative dubbed “Tujimudu.”Addressing the alarming rate of mother-to-child HIV transmission in Kitui, which stands at 15%, Dr. Malombe committed to reducing this figure to 5%. He assured that the county government would manage its finances prudently to ensure maximum benefit for the residents of Kitui.The event, held at the Kitui Governor’s office parking ground, was attended by prominent figures including CDC Country Director Dr. Jennifer Galbraith, Kitui Deputy Governor Augustine Kanani, and other Kitui County government officials.This roadmap signifies Kitui County’s commitment to fighting HIV and TB through sustainable practices and community engagement, aiming for a healthier future for all its residents.
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