Our Partnership with Imarisha

Kenya currently has 1.6 million individuals living with HIV. According to the Nation AIDS Control Council, there are 435,225 adolescents from ages 10 to 19 who are HIV+ while another 119,899 have the virus but are not yet identified. Failure of identification and delayed treatment coupled with the overbearing stigma and discrimination associated with being HIV+ resulted in the death of approximately 7,500 adolescents last year alone. The needs of adolescents living with HIV are much more sensitive and varied than those of adults. They must simultaneously deal with adult issues like disclosure, practicing safe sex, and adhering to treatment while also addressing issues traditionally associated with adolescence, such as body image, peer pressure, and forming personal identity.

We partnered with Imarisha CBO to educate and empower adolescents living with HIV in Nyeri County, Kenya. Imarisha CBO brings new and innovative ways to talk about sex, disclosure, and health needs for HIV+ adolescents. The project promoted sex education in communities and families, starting a conversation for young people about HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health. The project additionally provided entrepreneurship training for 22 adolescents, 15 of whom are living with HIV. The trainees formed a coalition to support advocacy efforts, championing for their peers in advocacy forums and conducting mentorship in schools. To reduce stigma and discrimination in schools, Imarisha supported a teacher training program that equipped educators to respond more effectively in their role working with vulnerable children.