The high rate of HIV infections in Nyanza continues to spark national concern. With some counties like Kisumu recording HIV prevalence rates as high as 11.7 percent, the region stands out as one of the hardest hit in the country. Particularly alarming is the disproportionate number of women living with the virus. Despite public shock, these statistics do not come as a surprise to many health experts familiar with the region’s history and cultural practices.
Outdated traditions such as wife inheritance remain deeply entrenched in parts of Nyanza. This practice, where widows are “inherited” by male relatives of their deceased husbands, is still considered essential in preserving cultural identity. However, in the context of HIV, it presents grave public health risks. Some elderly women, even over the age of 75, are contracting HIV after being inherited for cleansing rituals. Such practices, rooted in cultural belief systems, are now endangering lives.
Even more concerning is the silence and passivity of some health professionals, who, due to cultural ties and fear of backlash, refrain from openly challenging these norms. Misinformation is also rampant, with some community members falsely claiming that HIV no longer kills or that the virus has lost its potency. Such statements dangerously undermine public health education and encourage unprotected sexual behaviour.
Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, facing multiple layers of risk. They often lack the power to negotiate safe sex, are targets of gender-based violence, and are stigmatized if they advocate for condom use. In some communities, merely mentioning a condom can attract labels of promiscuity or infidelity. Young girls, some as young as 15, suffer the double burden of sexual assault and the responsibility of caring for infected relatives.
The stigma surrounding HIV continues to force many into silence, denying them the support they need. This silence fuels new infections and worsens health outcomes. Hospitals in the region report that a significant number of patients are suffering from advanced stages of HIV-related illnesses, especially in places like Homa Bay where HIV accounts for a majority of inpatient care.
To reverse this trend, urgent and targeted interventions are needed. Expanding education and awareness campaigns, challenging harmful cultural practices, and addressing gender inequality are crucial steps. Investments must focus on empowering women and improving access to healthcare. It is essential to foster open conversations about HIV, promote voluntary testing, and support community-led solutions. Only through combined action can the cycle of infection be broken and lives saved.
