Renowned Kenyan scholar Dr. Kawango Agot, who was instrumental in the discovery that circumcision reduces the chances of contracting HIV/AIDS in men, has passed away.

Her death has brought sorrow to friends, relatives, and colleagues who collaborated with her on numerous health-related projects.

Dr. Agot was a distinguished researcher with significant contributions to the study of HIV/AIDS, particularly in the Nyanza region, where the disease has a high prevalence.

Her research, alongside other specialists, led to the introduction of Voluntary Male Medical Circumcision in Luo Nyanza.

Traditionally, the Luo community did not practice circumcision; instead, they marked the transition to adulthood by removing six lower teeth.

According to family members, Dr. Agot passed away last evening. The results of the post-mortem examination have not yet revealed the exact cause of death.

Dr. Agot was the founder and Director of the Impact Research and Development Organization, where she gained extensive experience in biomedical, epidemiological, and behavioral research.

She earned her degree in Education from the University of Nairobi, an MPhil from Moi University, and completed her Doctorate at the University of Washington in Seattle.