AEGiS-11IAC: An outreach programme targeting fishermen and fish mongers in the beaches of Mbita, Karungu, Sindo in Kenya.

11th International AIDS Conference

Vancouver, British Columbia — July 7-12, 1996

An outreach programme targeting fishermen and fish mongers in the beaches of Mbita, Karungu, Sindo in Kenya.

Int Conf AIDS 1996 Jul 7-12; 11:486 (abstract no. Pub.D.1311)
Ouko M, Angiro R, Ouma D, Onyango M, Ngesa A; Nairobi, Kenya. Fax: 254-2-243164.

PROJECT: An AIDS awareness programme targeting fishermen and women who dry and sell fish along the beaches of Mbita, Karungu and Sindo was organized by community based workers who had been trained by Women Fighting AIDS in Kenya, (WOFAK) counsellors. This direction was taken after a request from the local chiefs, councillors and church elders after realizing the big influx of fishermen and fish mongers from other areas. Strategies included going to the lake shore early in the morning and late afternoon when fishermen arrive from the lake and talking about HIV/AIDS. All new people in the beaches were identified by the local elders and an AIDS awareness workshop organized. After every awareness campaign, condoms are sold at cost price.

RESULTS: After 2 months a survey was done in the area and results were as follows: 1) Business in local lodges dropped meaning less careless sex. 2) The sales of condoms which were left to the local shopkeeper was quite high. 3) Women could be heard discussing HIV/AIDS more openly in the market or while drying fish. 4) The men were more careful and used condoms more often.

LESSONS LEARNED: HIV/AIDS awareness campaign is very succesful when conducted by people from the same community and local leaders involved for mobilization purposes.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Condoms, Kenya, HIV Infections, Social Welfare, HIV, Counseling, Fishes, Human, Female, Male, Animal, economics, education, ICA11

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