Improving hiv/aids information access by the youth: kenya aids ngos consortium's initiative.
Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. D11124)
Irungu PI KENYA AIDS NGOS CONSORTIUM, NAIROBI, Kenya
Though HIV/AIDS awareness activities have increased in Kenya during the last decade, some sections of the society remain marginalised as far as access to up to date and relevant HIV/AIDS information is concerned. One of the marginalised sections is the youth who form more than half of the population. Many factors such as secrecy in discussion sex and sexuality issues since they are regarded as taboo by most communities and lack of youth friendly information services among others. Kenya AIDS NGOs Consortium has established a HIV/AIDS resource centre which seeks to address the information needs of the member organisation and to avail information to marginalised groups in the community. The resource centre has undertaken various initiatives such availing membership to institutions of learning so as to furnish the teachers with factual information targeting the needs of the youth under their care. This information supplements that provided by the HIV/AIDS curriculum. Also through working with youth serving organisations including religious institutions, The Consortium encourages the involvement of youth in discussing HIV/AIDS and educating their peers through use of theatre, songs and poetry. They also to reach other youths through sporting activities, and other competitions such as essay writing and through formation of peer clubs. The Consortium has established linkages with media houses and provides them with information focusing on youth issues regarding HIV/AIDS. Thus they incorporate youth-targeted HIV/AIDS messages within their programmes. The Consortium also participates in and encourages youth-targeted call-in sessions where listeners are able to tap from the knowledge and expertise of the consortium staff on HIV/AIDS and related issues. There is need for youth to have access to HIV/AIDS information to influence behaviour change since they are the most vulnerable group in the society and their well-being holds the future of our country.
Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Organizations, Information Services, Kenya, Adolescent Health Services, Confidentiality, Adolescent, Human, Education
