The aim of the partnership project between the Gemeinschaft Sant’Egidio e.V. and the DREAM Kenya Trust is to expand the capacities of the HIV centre in Chaaria. In order to achieve this, the medical services for HIV-positive patients at the Kenya-based centre are to be expanded and improved.
Background:
UAIDS estimates the prevalence of HIV among adults in Kenya to be 4.7 per cent; women account for more than half of those living with the virus. Despite an improvement in access to treatment, the capacities of Meru County’s health care institutions still do not stretch far enough to provide extensive access to HIV prevention and treatment measures. HIV and gynaecological infections are a risk factor for cervical cancer, especially among young girls and women, for whom early screening is vital for treatment.
Activities:
-\tProviding equipment, including a colposcope and test kits for cervical cancer screening
-\tCervical cancer screening in Chaaria
-\tProcuring medicines (antihypertensives, antidiabetics, antibiotics, etc.)
-\tIntensifying the support given by mentors to five HIV centres in the area
Impact:
The medical services for HIV-positive patients in the region are to be expanded with the help of the training courses and the necessary acquisition of material resources. This in turn is intended to improve the quality of care in the hospital’s very rural catchment area in the long term.