Challenges facing effective implementation of HIV/AIDS control strategies in Kenya: the case of Navakholo Division, Kakamega Central District

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the challenges facing effective implementation of HIV/AIDS control strategies in Navakholo Division. The study was guided by the following objectives :-People's attitude towards the use of condoms, Cultural practices, stigmatization, lack of or inadequate technical capacity in management ofillV/AIDS, economic factors and weakness in facilities. The study was carried out in Navakholo Division, Kakamega Central District of Western Province. The researcher used descriptive survey for it seeks to collect data from a population by use of questionnaires and or interviews. Random sampling was used in selection of the required sample. The sample selected consisted of 370 respondents from Navakholo Division. The researcher used questionnaires and interview schedules in collection of data from the respondents. Content validity of the research instruments was examined and approved by experts from the field of HIV/ AIDS. Furthermore, the researcher used pretest and test-retest to confirm the reliability of the research instruments. In this study, the findings revealed that people's attitudes influenced the use of condoms in the Division. Cultural practices posed challenges to the use ofHIV/AIDS control strategies. Stigmatization, which was highly exhibited on people living with HIV/AIDS was a challenge to the use of control measures on HIV/AIDS. The control measures were also faced with challenges like lack of medical professionals on HIV/AIDS and insufficient finances. Finally, the control measures on HIVIAIDS had some weakness in one way or another. Therefore there is need to include a research component in the HIV/AIDS control infrastructure.