David Ogoro stands at the head of an improvised classroom at the Kendu Bay Sub-district Hospital, energetically leading a discussion about barriers to HIV adherence. His pupils are keenly engaged and participate freely, but the only sound is that of hands brushing together to form words. This is a psychosocial support group for deaf people living with HIV in Kendu Bay, Kenya, a town on the shore of Lake Victoria in Homa Bay County. Keep reading
Earlier this month, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) hosted eight students from four universities, to share information about the foundation and to prepare for a successful season of dance marathons. Although the school year is still weeks away, the dedicated college students in charge of the UP 4 THE FIGHT Dance Marathons are already planning their events and fundraising campaigns. Keep reading
Right now, more than 100 million people around the world, are in need of humanitarian assistance—whether because of natural disaster, civil war, gender-based violence, or some other crisis. World Humanitarian Day, August 19, is an occasion to focus on people in need and the relief workers who are meeting their needs. One issue that is sometimes overlooked in discussions about refugee populations is the challenge of linking displaced people to lifesaving HIV services. Keep reading
While the global mortality rate of HIV has declined over the past 15 years—due to more cost-effective and increasingly accessible antiretroviral medication (ART)—young people ages 15–24, account for 35 percent of new HIV infections. AIDS remains the leading cause of death of adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Today, on International Youth Day, we introduce a young woman from Zambia who is making a difference while living with HIV—as a counselor in the Tisamala Teens program. Keep reading
As the 2016 International AIDS Conference wrapped up, a renewed energy was surging through the community of Durban. I was impressed that despite a busy whirlwind week, there seemed to be a harmonious synergy of ideas and collaboration on how we can end AIDS. Youth voices and participation are what we need to get us there. On the last day of the conference, as I strolled through the Global Village, passing performer after youth group after radio show after local artisans, a warming feeling filled my heart. It was one of unity and empowerment. Keep reading
On Sunday July 17, 2016, my girlfriend Kerry and I touched down in Durban, South Africa. We were greeted with smiles, an amazingly vibrant community, and the familiar sound of waves crashing on the shoreline. A good night’s sleep was immensely needed by both of us as the next morning kicked off the 2016 International AIDS Conference (#AIDS2016) and the week ahead promised to be full of activity! Keep reading
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), with funding from ViiV Healthcare, launched a new program on June 28, 2016. A one-year, renewable award from ViiV Healthcare’s Positive Action for Adolescents Fund, will allow EGPAF-Kenya to implement the program in 50 sites in Kenya’s Homa Bay County. The Red Carpet program, targets adolescents with HIV to help curb rising infections and AIDS-related deaths among the group; it is geared towards improving access and uptake of HIV testing and counseling, as well as retention to care and treatment. Keep reading
I am a 32-year-old… Keep reading
It’s 107 degrees Fahrenheit at midday in a village outside of Lodwar, Kenya. Goats and children dash across the sand, while most adults have retreated to the sensible shade of their manyattas, traditional family homes built of sticks, thatch, and mud. Two women in long white coats, Esther Kapoko and Anna Akeru, stride through the village. Keep reading
