Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 588527,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/588527/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 394,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "October 7th, 2015 SENATE DEBATES 44 Sen. (Dr.) Machage",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the importance of the topic of HIV/AIDS in Kenya cannot be underestimated, with a prevalence rate of around 5.8 per cent at this time. Knowing that the range is wide, in some areas of this country, the prevalence rate is as high as 18 per cent, although we have some areas with as low as 1 per cent. This is something that we must focus our minds and get to the gist of how to tackle it. While this has reduced from a previous starting prevalence rate of about 19 per cent in the early 1980s to where we are now, the gains can be lost with the masking of the whole epidemic with the advent of Antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs. May I appreciate the contributions of Members of this House who have given more insight and information on what should be incorporated in making the Bill even better. I will pray that Members take the opportunity to also guide on the amendments by submitting their thoughts on what should be amended. Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale did suggest that it is important to incorporate in this Bill, the control and management of malaria and tuberculosis. Let us also know that HIV/AIDS pandemic was at one time declared a national disaster. Maybe, putting this together may dilute the magnitude and importance of this situation. What I would pick from him is that there is need also to amend the laws that manage malaria and tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an opportunist infection that usually follows HIV/AIDS and is covered very well in this Bill. I also thank Sen. Chelule for her contribution. Sen. (Prof.) Lesan appreciated the contributions of Prof. Koech and Prof. Obel on the issue. This was an attempt by Kenyans to come up with medication to this scourge. He, however, misunderstood what I said about the relevance and importance of opportunistic quacks who came up with herbs and other concoctions trying to steal from the Kenyans in the name of treatment of HIV/AIDS. I appreciate the contributions of these two people. Prof. Obel’s attempt to use Pearl Omega in the treatment of HIV/AIDS cannot be underestimated. He was my teacher. Sen. Musila has been very concerned with the allocation of resources being diverted to other uses including; buying toilets for governors, instead of putting this money to proper use, including control and management of HIV/AIDS. I appreciate his concern and his warning to these people that they must use money appropriately. Sen. Wetangula has put much of his concern on the qualifications of the people that are to be appointed into the committee. I considered this and also the regional distribution of intelligent learned people in this country. If I make the conditions too stringent, then some regions may lack members in this committee. However, I will consider strengthening the qualifications of members of this committee. Sen.Wako has given a big insight on the law that manages the Act. He has thought on expansion of the committee. He suggested an inclusion of religious people in the committee. His contribution is very relevant. I will consider all the matters he has raised. I cannot forget to thank Sen. Elachi for her concern on use of data collection. Indeed, this data will not only be kept, but has to be reported back quarterly so that it can be assessed to know the trends of HIV/AIDS infection and management so that we can intervene appropriately. She is concerned about the education, knowledge, attitude and practice of our youth. She is worried that youths use condoms for prevention of pregnancy rather than HIV/AIDS. Indeed she thinks that, in Kenya, indulgence in sex begin at 10 years. Let me tell her that the youngest age recorded for pregnancy in Kenya is 9 years. So, you can imagine when sexual indulgence begins. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}