As the world commemorated World AIDS Day, the office of the president through the Nairobi Metropolitan Services launched the Nairobi County HIV/AIDS Implementation Plan.
In an effort to outline key losses in the war against HIV/AIDS, stakeholders zeroed in on gender-based violence.
NMS Director Maj. Gen. Mohamed Badi, speaking at the Undugu Grounds in Mathare, said the county is adopting policies to address these challenges.
“We are developing political, economical and social policies to protect the rights of everyone and draw attention to the need of disadvantaged and marginalized communities” MJ Badi stated.
Teenage pregnancy across the country was also reported to have hit the country’s peak.
Badi added that the county will support safe houses in the best interests of teen pregnancies, as well as GBV victims.
“Violence and inequalities amongst women is the most perverse breach of human rights worldwide. We will continue to support initiatives such as safe-houses that accommodate and rehabilitate our girls. ” MJ Badi.
Dr Judy Gichuki SCMOH taking Mathare Sub-County in Nairobi City County as a case study in Kenya said Mathare was responsible for nearly 200 cases of teenage pregnancies.
“This year alone, Mathare Sub-County registered nearly 200 cases of teenage pregnancies aged between 10 to 14 years which is a rise from last year’s similar cases”.
“All these vices are reported to have been accelerated by the hardships faced by citizens after the Country’s lockdown.”
Dr Judy Gichuki cherished the theme of the event which is ending “GBV against women and girls.”
“This year’s theme is special to us in Mathare as it recognizes the importance of eliminating teenage pregnancies”
Gender-based violence in East Africa
Kenya like many other countries in the world experienced an increase in reported cases of physical and sexual violence during the pandemic.
EAC partner states reported a sharp increase in the number of GBV cases in the year 2020/2021.
Ministries responsible for gender across the region reported near to a 48% increase in the gender-based violence cases reported to the police or through the GBV Toll-Free lines.
*This article was written by Agencies for Uzalendo News. Email: uzalendonews24@gmail.com to submit your story.
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