Kenya is one of many sub-Saharan African countries that battle various life-threatening diseases that can be prevented by the right combination of education and resources. HIV/AIDS affects at least seven percent of the population and is a major obstacle to the general development of the country and its people.

The national HIV/AIDS prevalence doubled from 5.1 percent in 1990 to 10.6 percent in 2002. Over 100,000 children live with the virus, while some 650,000 children have been orphaned as a result of the disease.

To read more about current Health issues in Kenya, click here.

In response to HIV/AIDS and other health issues, volunteers, interns, and donors work with FSD and its partner organizations in Mombasa and Kakamega to:

• Provide human and financial resources to rural medical clinics that supply primary care, family planning, counseling, and voluntary testing.
• Conduct home visits for HIV-positive clients, supplying them with antiretroviral medications, general care, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission services during deliveries.
• Promote HIV/AIDS awareness and education in rural communities through various outreach programs.
• Provide home visits that offer holistic, psychosocial services to people living with HIV/AIDS, orphans and vulnerable children, and those suffering from chronic illnesses. Counseling, education, sensitization, and general medical assistance are also offered to these populations.
• Support a 24 hour-hospital that makes use of an operating theater, an intensive care unit, a variety of inpatient and outpatient services and wards, a lab with an X-ray machine, pediatric services, and an on-site nursery school. Volunteers and interns supply treatment, counseling, research, outreach, and/or administrative duties, depending upon experience.
• Provide health education and counseling to members of microfinance groups to ensure the stability of their microenterprises through proper health practices for themselves and their families.
• Train community members who do not have access to conventional medicines on the use of local herbs to alleviate symptoms of HIV/AIDS. The program also provides home-based care, income-generating activities, group support sessions, and other activities for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Read more about Health programs and opportunities initiated by our Community Partners in Kenya.

For a description of the Health opportunities available in each country, click on the links below:

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