Kenya: HIV and AIDS
The HIV and AIDS situation in Kenya
Hundreds of people die from AIDS-related illnesses in Kenya every day and over one million people are estimated to be infected with HIV.
Multiple partners, prostitution, poverty, unsafe sexual practices and poor education about HIV and AIDS have all contributed to creating this dire situation.
The poor status of women also plays a role in the spread of HIV and AIDS in Kenya. Women have little control over their sexual life. They are often denied the right to decide when to have sex or even to request that the man wear a condom.
The practice of wife-inheritance – where a widow becomes the property of the deceased’s brother – also contributes to the spread of HIV.
The stigma attached to HIV and AIDS has resulted in many infected people hiding their status out of fear of discrimination, although more and more people are disclosing their HIV status as ignorance of HIV and AIDS is addressed.
Mt. Kenya West Diocese
In Nyeri in the Mt. Kenya West Diocese, programs are being implemented by AngliCORD’s partners which promote dialogue about HIV and AIDS.
The Good Samaritan Clinic
In Nyeri in the Mt Kenya West Diocese, the Good Samaritan Health Clinic brings people together to talk and share their experiences in a group setting.
With support from AngliCORD, each group includes between 7 and 10 people who meet once a month to share experiences and learn about how to improve health and nutrition.
The Good Samaritan Clinic is also a Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) centre for HIV.
The memory bank project
The Good Samaritan Clinic has also established a memory bank project with support from AngliCORD. The project allows people dying from AIDS-related illness to leave a book for their children and family.
These ‘memory banks’ serve as a loving reminder to their children after they are gone. The books also act as an important source of information regarding family history and inheritance.
Often these books contain photos, drawings, messages of love for their children, family histories and details of any property the child may inherit.
Student Peer Groups
Programs are also being put in place in schools to allow students to discuss sex and HIV, drug and substance abuse, academic performance, and sexuality without the presence of teachers.
Student Peer Groups have been formed at the Othaya Guidance and Counselling Boys High School and Gatugi Girls High School with resurces provided by AngliCORD donors.
These groups have had numerous positive impacts. As a result of increased awareness of safe sex practices teenage pregnancy rates have fallen at the girl’s school.