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KENYA: Prison warders dying despite AIDS awareness

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

JOHANNESBURG, 4 August (PLUSNEWS) - The number of HIV/AIDS deaths among prison warders in the Kenyan port town of Homa Bay is alarming, according to prison commanding officer Rashid Powon.

Since the beginning of the year AIDS-related illnesses have claimed the lives of six warders, while many others were affected by ailments suspected to be AIDS-related.

"It is even more worrying that the victims are highly educated and trained young officers, in whom the government has invested heavily," Powon was quoted by a local newspaper, The Nation, as saying.

Research showed that although HIV/AIDS awareness in the area was above 90 percent, deaths among prison officers continued to rise.

[ENDS]

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