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The war against HIV in Homa Bay got a major blow after a key Non-Government Organisation announced plans to downsize its staff citing financial constraints.
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation (EGPAF) plans to lay off 217 workers from next month.
It has been a major partner of the Homa Bay government in combating new HIV infections, especially from a mother to her unborn child.
National Aids Control Council’s data says Homa Bay leads with a HIV prevalence rate of 26.7 per cent in the country.
See: Why HIV rate in Homa Bay is four times that of Kenya
At least 24 nurses, 10 clinical officers, 19 laboratory technicians, nine pharmaceutical technologists stand to be affected.
Six nutritionists, 61 HIV and testing service providers, and 88 peer educators are also staring at job losses.
Jenipher Ndege, Homa Bay Health chief officer, wrote to the affected workers with instructions they should not to report to work after the end of this month.
“You are notified that your contract is ending on September 30, 2018. However, it will not be renewed because of budgetary constraints,” reads part of the letter
“The Ministry of Health appreciates your valuable contribution in the service you have been providing during the contract period.”
“Your efforts have gone a long way in improving the management of HIV/Aids among other health conditions,” Ndege told the health workers.
County Health administrator Ely Odhiambo said the NGO could no longer pay workers because of shortage of funds.
The foundation helped put up a youth-friendly HIV health facilities.
Also read: Eight Homa Bay teens ‘get HIV every day’
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