Encourage Rural Communities Know their HIV Status

Dear friends,

This calls for some celebration of sorts. A few years ago, we reported how we were facing so many challenges in battling HIV/Aids. Lack of  ARVs, inadequate transportation for PLWHA to reach hospitals, stigma...the list was endless.

The story of Monica is a true reflection of what a positive attitude can do to. She joined our outreach campaign, was diagnosed with the virus but never gave up in her pursuit for a happy life. We provided her with transportation to Kitale district hospital for her dosages of ARVs. We gave her a soft loan to start her own business. We linked her to social support cycles. And we ensouraged her every day.

The annual government report on HIV indicates that HIV prevalence has shot down from 14% to 6% over the previous year. A lot of contributing factors, it says, is the effort by grassroots organizations to sensitize and reach out to PLWHA at the village level.

Although Monica's status has not changed from positive to negative, she is now able to live her life to the fullest. Thanks to being able to access medication.

GEMINI continues to play its role in reaching out to the most vulnerable families in rural areas, where access to medication, nutrition, psycho-social support is minimal. With your support, we will continue to support clients like Monica to enable them enjoy their lives to the maximum.

"I have lived my life to the fullest. I feel that I can still accomplish a lot if given the opportunity. I would like to be at the forefront of crusading for increased budget allocation to community-based groups in their fight against HIV/Aids," says Monica. "With determination, a lot is achievable."

But this doesn't mean the celebration goes on and on and on. With your continued support, we will be able to change the lives of other Monicas, provide them with the much-needed hope.

Thanks for being there for us. Like Monica, we believe your determination will help us achieve a lot!