Title: HIV / AIDS in Kenya: moving beyond policy and rhetoric.

POPLINE Document Number: 187422

Author(s):

Amuyunzu-Nyamongo M

Source citation:

African Sociological Review, 2001;5(2):[14] p..

Abstract:

Ignorance, poverty, high incidence of sexually transmitted diseases, socio-cultural beliefs and practices, civil strife and deficient public health care systems are the main factors for HIV/Aids spread in Africa. In addition, lack of resources to finance the implementation of cost-effective interventions is a major source of concern for the sub-Saharan region. HIV/Aids-related discrimination and stigmatisation is widespread and occurs in every sector of the society; in schools, in work places through enforced testing and lay-offs; in the markets through ostracism of the identified trader and within families and communities. The fear, ignorance and lack of open dialogue about HIV/Aids and the difficulty of involving all of society, including families and communities in the search for solutions, has placed tremendous pressure on family bonds. The main purpose of this paper is to give an insight into the Kenyan scenario with the primary objective of providing an analysis of the impact of the HIV/Aids pandemic and the capacity of health-care systems .in the provision of care for those living with the disease. It looks at the national and international policies on HIV/Aids with a view of identifying existing gaps in the current situation, and most important, the paper provides views on critical areas if Kenya is to change the current trends in HIV and Aids. (excerpt)

Keywords:

Kenya
Critique
HIV Positive Persons
Population At Risk
HIV Prevention
AIDS
Risk Factors
Health Policy
Antiretroviral Therapy
Program Accessibility
Campaigns
Implementation
Developing Countries
Africa, Eastern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Research Methodology
Biology
Policy
HIV
Program Evaluation
Programs
Organization and Administration
Communication Programs
Communication