Private hospitals have been asked not to overcharge members of the public who seek to test and know their HIV/AIDS status.
National Syndemic Disease Control Council chairman Geoffery Gitu said knowing the HIV status is the first entry point into the care.
He spoke on Wednesday at Posta grounds during a pre- event in preparation for the national world AIDS day at Kibabii University.
“If we increase the cost of HIV testing then it becomes hard for the people knowing their status,” Gitu said.
The chairman however, called on members of the public to visit government health facilities for HIV testing adding that it is free of charge.
“HIV testing is done in all public health facilities, let us visit them and get tested,” he said.
Gitu added that the testing reagents are normally supplied in all health facilities and counties to ensure members of the public to get tested for a better Kenya.
However, Gitu called on the members of the public to embrace using condoms whenever they have sex.
He added that the NSDCC has also put plans in place to create awareness in Webuye and Kanduyi constituencies.
“From the report released by the NSDCC, Bungoma is a hotspot. That is why we have pitched camp here to educate the public,” Gitu said.
The official said the pre- events at Posta grounds was an avenue for the candle lighting, to remember the two million people who died due to HIV/AIDS.
He also asked those living with HIV/AIDS to follow the doctors ARVs prescription for a healthy life.
Gitu further appealed to ACC’s, DCC’s, county governments and NGOs to partner and fight the HIV numbers.
He said the council has also put plans in place measures to ensure that counties get HIV testing reagents.
Also present was Bungoma Health executive Dr Andrew Wamalwa.
