A leader of a None
Governmental Organization Mumbo Cultural and Development Forum has called for a
review of Luo cultural practices to help check the spread of HIV/AIDS in the
area.
The organization
secretary Aguko Mayora said it is sad that the HIV/AIDS is still claiming
many lives in this region because the community members are clinging to
outdated cultural behaviors.
Reports indicate that
Homa Bay is leading in the prevalence. In the county the HIV/AIDS prevalence
159,970 people infected with hospital bed occupancy being 67%.
Mayora said even though
both governments have invested more on HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns the
cultural aspect in Luo still remain a major obstacle in the fight against the
scourge. He said there is an urgent need for Luo Elders, professionals, church
leaders and all the stakeholders to team up and enlighten people on the danger
of practicing outdated traditions which are prone to HIV/AIDS spread.
Culture being dynamic,
Mayora said the community needs good will from all the stakeholders including
the government to use the positive aspect of culture to help our people. He
added that Mumbo Cultural and Development Forum will soon launch it campaign
against repugnant Luo cultural practices and championed the proposed radical
changes in Luo traditional norms.
Mumbo Cultural and
Development Forum will propagate the adoption of safe Luo cultural and
traditional practices to protect the people from dying with HIV/AIDS ailments.
The organization will also dig deeper into the other HIV/AIDs related concerns.
It is said that absolute poverty among the Luos has also cause more deaths
among our resourceful age group.
The prevalence of the
scourge has become so high in the area that it directly affects the entire
socio-economic aspects of the people. It is therefore high time the Luo leaders
and professional stood up and drum support for change.
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