HIV/AIDS: Together we shall overcome!

On the 27^th April 2011, the Italian NGO INTERSOS, in collaboration with the local partner WOFAK (Women fighting AIDS in Kenya), celebrated the Grand Opening of the Rescue Center in Kayole, built with the support of the Italian Cooperation.

Considering that more than 1,4 million adults are living with HIV/AIDS, 3 out of 5 HIV- infected Kenyans are female, 4 out of 5 HIV–infected people do not know their status and 7 out of 10 infected adults are rural residents, INTERSOS’ project has succeeded in giving effective and efficient support to the communities of Kayole and Soweto as well as establishing solid relationships with all the actors involved in the project.

The initiative focused on strengthening the capacity building of WOFAK in order to ensure the sustainability of the project and to empower the role of women within the community. Many activities were carried out, such as the implementation of awareness-raising campaigns on HIV/AIDS, assistance to women affected by the disease, sex education, feeding programmes for school children, peer education and recreational activities such as theatre, music and dance classes. Every day the centre guarantees a meal to more than 150 children and supports, with its counseling activities, the members of the community.

The center is much more than a simple building; it represents hope for the Kayole and Soweto communities, especially for those women and children who are fighting for their futures despite their illness.

 Children's Exibition for the Gran Opening Ceremony of Kayole Rescue Center