HIV | AIDS PROJECTS

The Life and Living Project addressed the alarming and devastating effects of HIV/AIDS/TB in East Africa. The project contributed to the realization of the human rights, sustainable development as well as the treatment literacy of HIV/AIDS/TB infected and affected members of the target communities through social and economic empowerment, with the objective of promoting social integration of people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS/TB.

The Behavior Change and Communication project’s overall goal was reduction in HIV/AIDS impact among the youth living / working in Kisumu East Constituency in Kisumu City. The priority intervention area was prevention focusing on behavior change communication targeting the youths in and out of STIPA. STIPA advocated for this in three sub-locations in Kisumu County.

Key Achievements

• Livelihood Support provided to the infected, affected by HIV/AIDS/TB and vulnerable people where orphanages and health facilities were supported with nutritional support, sponsorship and equipment.
• Capacities of health personnel and caregivers strengthened in the area of prevention, care, treatment, ARV therapy and support of HIV/AIDS and TB
• Strengthened linkages amongst services providers and improved access to HIV/AIDS/TB treatment for infected people where there were established linkages with health providers, government institutions, VCT centres were supported. There were also trainings provided on psychosocial support and observed short course treatment.
• Awareness to fight prejudices against HIV/AIDS to policy makers, educational institutions and other community leaders, as well as the society in general.
• An empowered community towards sustainable development where beneficiaries were trained on advocacy, gender, leadership skills, entrepreneurship and PICD.
• Youths have been able to create an outreach programme which has not only enabled a wider coverage area in terms of outreach activities but has also built their capacity/empowered them to be able to sensitize fellow youths with messages in relation to HIV/AIDS and related issues.
• Some of the youths have formed groups for creation of self-employment through initiation of clubs such as drama and dances where they sensitize they pass on HIV/AIDS information. This has received more positive response in that it has generated more productive discussions as compared to lecture methods which has been a long-term exercise.
• Peer education has helped reach specific groups and promote model safe behaviors and has stimulated community discussions and provision of referrals to appropriate services
• The approach has not only been focused to preventive measures but there have been linkages to appropriate facilities for the purposes of CDT services, safe medical circumcision. This has also resulted in formation of support groups as a sustainable exit strategy.