Sex workers in Mombasa County, Kenya have threatened to stage demonstrations on Thursday, July 8, over the lack of condoms in public health facilities.
While conveying their grieviance through Nkoko Injuu Africa, a CBO that champions the rights of sex workers in the Coast region, the sex workers stated that 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.”
In reaction to the threat of protest, the National Aids Control council Coast Coordinator, Omari Mwanjuma, explained that condoms are available in public facilities, however in limited numbers.
Mwanjuma explained:
“I’m aware that there are stocks of condoms in all health facilities. The only worry is that they may not last for long.”
