A plan has been mooted to have youth cheerlead efforts to curb the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, management of mental health, alcoholism and drug abuse.
A partnership between the County Government of Uasin Gishu and Ampath seeks to put youth on the frontline in fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS and other societal challenges.
The partnership organized a two-day training session for youth and county staff under the Department of Youth Affairs, Health and Gender and Social Protection.
The officers and several youths were trained to become trainers, to deliver any form of helpful information to bring down the spread of HIV and control cases of mental illness and depression.
Chief Officers Dr. Paul Wangwe and Dr. Joyce Sang shared their optimism about the program, noting in almost equal measure that the youth, who are the most affected by the said health issues, will be able to converse within themselves.
Meshack Chemwor, representing the Chief Officer for Youth Affairs, said the Department is finalizing youth policies that will add muscle to, among others, empowering youth with knowledge to go about life challenges.
In addition, Peter Ruto, representing Chief Officer for Social Services said it is very crucial when youth lead campaigns against STIs, general knowledge on reproduction and stress.
Data on HIV infections, however, depict a promising trajectory in Uasin Gishu County.
In 2010, the infection rate was 6.4 per cent, whereas, by 2022, the gains made report a near-halfway reduction, to 3.7 per cent.
