Migori: Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohamed has urged leaders and residents of Migori County to unite in tackling the ‘crippling triple threats’ affecting the community. Speaking in Awendo town during a forum that brought together over 500 representatives from various sectors, including mining, farming, education, business, and the church, Fatuma said urgent action is needed to save the future of young people.

According to Kenya News Agency, the legislator revealed that statistics rank Migori County among the leading counties in HIV infections and early pregnancies, with Nyatike Constituency being the most affected. “Nyatike is leading in the triple threat, and we cannot sit back and watch as our youth’s future is destroyed by new HIV infections, gender-based violence (GBV), and teenage pregnancy,” she said.

She proposed the formation of more Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) to fight the crisis at the grassroots level, adding that these groups would help create awareness, educate the youth, and support vulnerable families. The MP also promised to lobby the national government and development partners to channel more resources to youth empowerment, education, and health programmes in Migori County.

However, she emphasised that parents, teachers, religious leaders, and local administrators must work together to reverse the trend. “If we unite and act now, we can defeat these threats and give our youth a brighter future,” she said. The representatives in the forum raised concern over the increasing number of girls dropping out of school due to early pregnancies.

According to Steven Oyugi, an official from the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), the triple threat was linked to the problem of poverty, which has pushed many youths into risky behaviour. Lastly, he called for more education on discipline and moral values among school-going children to protect their childhood and enhance their educational path.