Over 70 HIV-exposed infants celebrated their HIV-free status at a graduation at Napetet, Turkana Central Sub-County.

The County Health and Sanitation Department supported the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar’s St. Catherine’s Dispensary in celebrating the graduation of 72 HIV-exposed infants (HEI) as virus-free.

The health facility, located on the outskirts of Lodwar town, has a Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) program, and this latest graduation is a testament to the success of the program.

County Deputy Director of Family Health Gabriel Lopodo urged mothers to improve the uptake of maternal and child health services available at the healthcare facility.

By encouraging mothers to prioritize these services, he emphasized the significance of ensuring the well-being and proper development of their children from an early age.

During the ceremony, the Diocese’s Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Joseph Ekalimon, congratulated the parents and guardians of the graduates and encouraged them to prioritize the health of their children.

He also recognized the vital role parents play in shaping the well-being of the younger generation and emphasized the importance of investing in their healthcare needs.

Lopodo also commended the St. Catherine’s facility for maintaining mother-to-child transmission rates below the 5 per cent threshold recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Among the guests present were the Sub County Medical Officer of Health for Turkana Central, Amo Ekitela, partner representatives from Caritas Lodwar, and USAID’s Imarisha Jamii.

Source: Kenya News Agency