SolidarMed in Kenya

Currently, 5.4 percent of Kenya’s adult population is HIV-positive. But there are huge regional differences in HIV/AIDS prevalence: for example in the rural area around Butere, around 15% of the population is living with HIV. These regions are particularly remote, which makes it more difficult  to access vital medical care. On top of this, the quality of state-run clinics is often poor, while private care is unaffordable for many. In fact, sometimes just the cost of transport to get to the clinic prevents people seeking medical treatment. As a result, many people still die of AIDS and related illnesses in Kenya. Throughout the country, there are around 660,000 AIDS orphans and 110,000 children living with HIV (up to the age of 14). Only just under 60 percent of young men and women aged between 15 and 24 know how to protect themselves against HIV transmission

Hope for children and adolescents living with HIV

SolidarMed works with its local partner organisation, Don Amolo Memorial Kids Ark (DAMKA), to support children and adolescents living with HIV by providing medical care, access to education and social support. This includes medical and psychological care and support for HIV-positive children and adolescents through home visits and medical check-ups; providing access to education through contributions to the cost of school fees, food and learning equipment for schoolchildren and adolescents in vocational training; and providing extra tuition during the very long school holidays.