Sex workers in Mombasa County, Kenya have threatened to hold demonstrations today, Thursday July 8 over lack of condoms in public health facilities.
Conveying their grievance through Nkoko Injuu Africa, a group that champions the rights of sex workers in the Coast region, the sex workers said they are at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.
The group’s Executive Director, Maryline Lain said, “If nothing changes by the end of tomorrow, we are moving to the streets. Condoms are being distributed by the government for free, but why don’t we get them? We need those answers.
“We have held a series of meetings with the relevant offices but as we speak they have not been providing us with condoms and as you are aware using condoms properly and consistently reduces risk of contracting HIV.”
National Aids Control council Coast Coordinator, Omari Mwanjuma, who reacted to the threat of protest said condoms are available in public facilities, however in limited numbers.
Mwanjuma said: “I’m aware that there are stocks of condoms in all health facilities. The only worry is that they may not last for long.”
