HIV/AIDS IN KENYA

AIDS is the single most pandemic that threatens to wipe out human race if urgent and quick actions are not taken by all of us. According to UNAIDS/WHO report (2002), a total of 42 million people (adults and children) worldwide are estimated to be living with AIDS. Kenya is one of the nine countries hardest hit by HIV epidemic. To date approximately 2.2 million people are infected with HIV/AIDS, while 1.5 million people have already died from the virus. Currently, out of every eight adults in rural Kenya, one is infected. In urban areas, nearly one out of every five adults is infected. 300,000 Kenyans became infected with HIV in 2000 alone. Life expectance has consequently declined from 59 years to 49 years in the last decade.

The number of AIDS orphans in the country has topped 900,000 today. According to KANCO (Kenya AIDS NGO's Consortium) the number of AIDS related deaths has increased to 700 every day. AIDS patients occupy approximately 50% of hospital beds. The number of secondary school students infected is 20 % according to some estimates.
Current data shows that the virus is still spreading and that women are infected than men due to gender inequalities. Other factors include STD's and treatment access.

The effects of AIDS cannot be overemphasized. AIDS creates a devastating cycle of poverty; it destroys economies, destabilizes societies, and unbalances age distribution, besides breeding orphans. It also kills both skilled and unskilled manpower.

The AIDS program of The Youth Vision International started in 1996 with the focus on awareness through educating the youths in rural schools about HIV/AIDS and other STDs, promotion of abstinence and positive behavior change. Programs include video shows, poster and essay writing competitions, seminars and workshops.

The organization has organized two consecutive annual runs/walks at Bowling Green State University, Ohio, USA to create awareness and to raise funds for the fight against AIDS.