By Catherine Nyambura
Dandelion Kenya.
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The Procession of people marking the #WAD2014 |
A
trail in its wake
The virus has left a trail of orphans, people living
positively and a lot of lessons in its wake. Statistics from the Kenya AIDS
Indicator Survey (2012)confirm that approximately 1.2million people live with
the virus in the East African country. The survey further points out that
Kenya’s prevalence rate stands at5.6 percent. This is staged against the
backdrop of 35million people globally, according to UNAIDS. At this point, it
would suffice to point out that the HIV virus, like many epidemics, has disproportionately
affected more women than men, especially in Africa.
In Kenya we have 906,948 females living with HIV
against 685,394 males; a disparity that seems to reinforce the larger gender
disparities and inequalities in Kenya. The feminine face seems to further seek
youthfulness quite successfully with the probability of infection higher among
young women aged 15‐24
years compared to men of the same age. There is, however, good news in that
regard with the prevalence among young women having declined from 5.9 percent
in 2003 to 3.0 percent in 2012 and that of young men remaining slightly stable
at 1.1 percent to 1.5 percent.
Nakuru County is in the Kenyan Rift Valley and has
not been left behind in the efforts to
fight the HIV epidemic.The HIV prevalence in Nakuru is 5.6% which
corresponds the national prevalence according to County profile statistics by
UNAIDS and the National Aids Control Council.The National Aids Control Council
Office and the Ministry of Health have continuously partnered with the Civil
Society Organizations to advocate for counseling and testing and treatment for
those living positively. The Ministry of Health has worked to put in place
comprehensive care centersin all major healthcare centers which provide integrated
services and Management of PLHIV. There are a total of 250 ART sites in the
county according to the Ministry of Health reports. The County government has
also invested in the fight against HIV by allocating 1million
shillings(11500USD) per Sub County towards the fight against HIV which
facilitates reduced reliance on donor funding and guarantees treatment for
those living with the virus and activities to enhance testing amongst citizens
which is first step towards zero.
The World AIDSDay provides an opportunity for
countries and various jurisdictions to celebrate gains made towards the fight
against HIV, reinforce efforts towards the fight against the epidemic and
contextualize global efforts. The global goal is to end AIDS by 2030, which
presents a challenge and an opportunity for more consolidated efforts and
execution of the shared vision. We have achieved a lot but more needs to be
done especially in ensuring young people, a demographic that is disproportionately
affected by the epidemic are meaningfully engaged in the fight against HIV. The
engagement should ensure that youth participate in conceptualization,
design, implementation and monitoring of health programs and policies at all
levels.
In NakuruCounty,
World Aids Day preparations have been inclusive with all stakeholders brought
on board. The planning committee consisted of civil society organizations,
various stakeholders working with HIV/AIDS and co-chaired by the ministry of
health and the National Aids Control Council. Activities to mark the day
include; colorful procession on the main street, Kenyatta Avenue, in Nakuru
guided by a band, scouts and participating organizations, Counseling and
Testing drives both prior to the day and on the actual day at the grounds where
the celebrations will be held, entertainment by various performing groups, exhibitions
and vibrant social media activities coordinated by Dandelion Kenya in
collaboration with the Ministry of Health and NACC.
