AMPATH Partners Observe World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day, observed annually on 1st December, serves as a global initiative to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. It is a day to unite in the fight against the pandemic, show support for those living positively with HIV, including their care givers, and commemorating those who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses.

The theme for World AIDS Day this year was: "Let communities lead," underscoring the ongoing commitment to end the HIV epidemic and promote a healthier and more informed world. AMPATH partners emphasized the spirit of unity and community empowerment across supported counties.

The day's festivities commenced with vibrant processions that rallied communities to spearhead the collective mission of ending AIDS by 2030.

USAID AMPATH Uzima and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital

Walk through Eldoret

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and USAID AMPATH Uzima marked the day with a walk through Eldoret town streets interacting with the public and encouraging them to go for HIV testing at accredited health facilities.

Amidst the lively atmosphere, the event resonated with impactful entertainment and moving testimonials shared by program beneficiaries and remarkable Operation Triple Zero champions. OTZ focuses on empowering adolescents to commit to the triple zero outcomes; zero missed appointments, zero missed doses and zero viral load. These courageous individuals shared their journeys living with HIV, offering poignant narratives that not only inspired, but also encouraged the community to undergo testing. Importantly, they emphasized that life continues beyond a negative test result, dispelling stigma and fostering a message of hope.

Uasin Gishu County

The event's speakers echoed a crucial message, urging the audience to embrace and prioritize HIV-preventive measures. They emphasized the imperative nature of embracing ART (antiretroviral therapy) for those living with HIV, underlining its pivotal role in achieving the 95-95-95 cascade—ensuring 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive sustained treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.

Present at the celebration was the Uasin Gishu County Governor H.E Jonathan Bii who emphasized the need to engage key populations, networks of people living with HIV, long-distance truck drivers, and those in prisons. He added “The theme reflects the county’s proactive approach, recognizing the pivotal role communities play in addressing HIV/AIDS challenges. This collaborative effort not only strengthens the local response to the epidemic but also exemplifies a holistic and inclusive strategy for achieving sustainable healthcare goals.”

Dr. Kipchumba B. Tarus, PhD, senior director of Administration and Finance, who flagged off the walk on behalf of CEO Dr. Wilson K. Aruasa, MBS, EBS, said MTRH is targeting HIV/AIDS eradication by 2027 through supporting community efforts in the fight against the scourge.

The sensitization events were led by chair MTRH AIDS Control Unit, Dr. Beryl Ganda, and USAID AMPATH Uzima deputy chief of party, Dr. Beatrice Jakait. Present were the director Health Administration, Christine Tonui; director Reproductive Health, Dr. Wycliffe Kosgei; Dr. Douglas Gaitho; and USAID AMPATH Uzima, MTRH and AMPATH staff.

USAID AMPATH Uzima also joined a celebration at the Governor’s office in Eldoret for Uasin Gishu county and events in Elgeyo Marakwet, Tranz Nzoia and West Pokot counties. The national event was held in Meru.

USAID 4The Child

USAID 4TheChild actively participated in observing World AIDS Day in Siaya, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega and Kisumu counties and attracted over 7,500 participants across the five program counties. USAID 4TheChild, in collaboration with local implementing partners (LIPs), focused on raising awareness about HIV infection among Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) and their families, as well as Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW).

Siaya County

Madam Betty Murungi, the first lady of Siaya County, served as the Chief Guest for the celebration at Ugunja Primary School. She commended the program for its support to children and adolescents living with HIV, including private sector engagement and Coaching Boys into Men interventions. She urged for more interventions addressing sexual and gender-based violence, a significant driver of HIV infections. Represented by Kenneth Otieno, the acting chief of party, and Bernard Oguna, the LIP director, USAID 4TheChild emphasized the importance of utilizing data to guide interventions toward achieving the UNAIDS goals of 95-95-95.

In Bungoma County, USAID 4TheChild supported the event at Amtala Grounds in Kimilili Sub-County by continuing to raise awareness about the triple threat, referring to gender-based violence, new HIV infections and adolescent pregnancy. The project co-sponsored the graduation of 100 HIV-Exposed Infants (HEI) who were HIV-negative after 24 months of follow-up and support. Out of these, 22 were beneficiaries of the program. The project also mobilized 20 community health promoters and 50 OVC to participate in the commemoration.

Busia County

In Busia County, the program supported the event at Bubiri Primary School in Samia Sub-County, attracting over 700 attendees. The festivities included a procession led by a local band, entertainment, and speeches from government officials, community leaders and stakeholders. The program celebrated the graduation of 77 HEI, including four enrolled in OVC.

In Kakamega County, the event took place in Navakholo Sub-County, where the program provided banners and supported adolescents and caregivers to attend the commemoration.

Kisumu County

Kisumu County marked the day at Kenyatta Sports Ground. The event featured a procession from Kondele Fly-Over to the Kenyatta Sports Ground led by key partners. Entertainment around the theme, testimonies from people living with HIV, and a keynote speech by Dr. Fredrick Oluoch, the county director of Public Health and Sanitation, highlighted the gains made in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The occasion also showcased the creative display of USAID 4TheChild DREAMS Girls using traditional dance to advocate for community participation in protecting girls and women. Make Me Smile – Kenya, the program's consortium partner, hosted DREAMS girls and Kisumu East Sub-County residents in celebrations at the Health Center grounds in Angola - Kolwa East.

USAID 4TheChild's commitment to community leadership shines on World AIDS Day 2023, making a lasting impact in Siaya, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, and Kisumu counties. Through empowering local communities and supporting crucial initiatives, the program is a beacon of hope in the fight against HIV/AIDS, fostering a future free from the threat of this global pandemic.

World AIDS Day Seminar Recording Available

Dr. John Humphrey, assistant professor of medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine and AMPATH researcher, also presented a World AIDS Day seminar at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine entitled “Ending AIDS for Maternal-Child Health: Progress and Challenges” about ongoing research in Kenya.