FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE INCREMENT OF THE HIV RATES IN THE LAKE REGION.

Photo: People bathing at the river. Source: Google.

Factors contributing to the increment of HIV rates in the Lake Region.

The counties surrounding the lake region have been confirmed to have higher incidences of HIV cases. Upon personal research of one of these counties, it has become indubitable that lust is a primary driver behind this trend. Public nudity is commonplace during the day, as individuals are unable to bathe at night due to the presence of hippos that pose a physical threat. Besides being a health hazard , this exposure frequently leads to sexual arousal in both men and women, which can result in infidelity and risky sexual behavior. Individuals will frequently exchange fish or omena for sex, with little to no regard for proper personal protection.

Moreover, circumcision rates in this region remain low, despite efforts by organizations such as Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) to promote voluntary medical male circumcision. The lack of circumcision leaves men vulnerable to contracting the virus during coitus as the foreskin collects fluids from infected partners. It is worth noting that this issue is not limited to the Lakes of Nyanza, as high rates of sexual activity have also been observed in other places such as in Lake Nakuru and Naivasha.