HIV/AIDS Program
AMURT Kenya and AMURT USA launched a project in Kenya called “KENYA INTEGRATED HIV/AIDS PROGRAM” funded by USAID. This project reflects ambition and optimism for making a measurable difference in the health status of communities members of Bondo,Mbita,Kendubay (Oyugois),Malindi,Ukunda Likoni,Kikuyu,Thika,and Nyeri. It consists of three provinces with 9 new AMURT centers.
Through this program,AMURT will launch a series of activities to promote the adoption of healthy behavior and an increased use of HIV/AIDS health services. This will prevent the transmission of HIV and to bring sustainable services to those infected and affected by HIV in targeted areas by
1) providing needed OVC services and strengthening community capacity take responsibility for the care and wellbeing of OVCs aged 6-18 years
2) institute a strong prevention program to protect those that are not infected
3) improve treatment,care,protection of rights and access to effective services for those infected with the virus.
- 3,000 OVC enabled will be supported to lead productive lives as accepted members of society
- Local organizations and neighborhood committees strengthened to create sustainable support structure to oversee the development of the 3,000 OVC
- 1,000 PLWA provided with home based care and access to required services;and counseling and preventive education provided to their care givers and friends.
- Mass education in abstinence and fidelity provided to 1,000,000 people that includes 100,000 out-of-school youth
- 2,000 youth affected or infected by HIV provided with hope by engaging them in society through youth clubs or vocational training programs.
- Training program for 120 OVC counselors,90 community resources persons,120,HBC counselors,18 chiefs and paralegal staff will be trained.
Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV,Nairobi
| HIV/AIDS has caused the death of more than 1.5 million Kenyans since the 1980s. Currently an estimated 500 Kenyans die daily as a result of the disease.Many mothers carry the virus,which puts their children at risk,too. 40 – 50% of transmission of HIV from infected mothers to their children takes place during breastfeeding. This can be prevented if the mothers are given treated cow’s milk or infant formula. However,most women in the Nairobi slums are unable to afford breast milk alternatives. AMURT is currently providing pasteurized cow’s milk to women in the Kangemi slum. They come to the AMURT community center every day to receive one liter of treated whole cow’s milk. They receive this allocation of milk for the first 12 months of their child’s life. After 12 months the baby is given unimix,a nutritious mixture. The women are referred to this program from the AMURT Health Care Center,where they receive counseling in ante-natal care. |
| Vocational Training Center for HIV/AIDS Infected and Affected Vulnerable Children,Nairobi. Our vocational training center supports HIV/AIDS infected and affected children aged 13 to 18,by training them in tailoring,hairdressing,computer skills,and handicraft making. In 2006 we trained 16 young boys and girls who are working in different commercial places and earning their own livelihood. This program was initiated by Pfizer Austria.
Micro-Credit,Capacity Building and Skills Training,Nairobi AMURT has now trained 48 HIV-infected women to make tie-dye fabric,shirts and children’s clothes. In January 2004 AMURT provided the group with 4 sewing machines so they could decorate their items with lace. Many of the women suffered from discrimination,even from their own families,due to HIV. In the self-help group they find a supportive community,a means to earn an income,and hope for the future. This program was initiated by World Conference on Religion and Peace (WCRP).
|
