COMBATING HIV THROUGH KNOWLEDGE AND ACTION

Dear Donors,

I am reaching out to share an urgent update on our HIV Prevention and Education Initiative in Kilifi County, Kenya. As you may know, the USAID funding freeze has created a critical gap in HIV prevention and treatment, threatening access to lifesaving antiretroviral therapy and preventive services for vulnerable children and families.

Kilifi faces a high HIV prevalence of 4.4 percent, with over 22,600 people living with HIV, including 3,500 children. Each year, approximately 700 new infections occur, many of which could be prevented with timely education, treatment, and support. The loss of funding has disrupted services, causing shortages in ARVs, testing kits, and medical support.

Our initiative directly addresses this crisis by:

• Expanding HIV prevention education through schools and community programs.

• Strengthening access to treatment and nutrition for HIV-positive children.

• Reducing stigma through peer education and community mobilization.

• Enhancing service delivery via mobile clinics and outreach efforts.

So far, our e-campaigns have encouraged safe sex practices, abstinence, partner fidelity, and sourcing medication from government hospitals. We have also promoted care for those affected, and these efforts have already shown positive changes in community behavior.

With a total budget of $110,000 over two years, we aim to reduce new HIV infections by 75 percent, decrease AIDS-related mortality by 25 percent, and cut stigma by half. To date, we have raised support from six donors, but nearly the entire goal remains unmet.

We urgently seek your partnership and financial support to help us reach more people and save lives. Every contribution brings us closer to eradicating HIV/AIDS in Kilifi and ensuring a healthier future for vulnerable children.

Thank you for standing with us in this fight.

Warm regards,

Nicholas O. Ondiek

Chief Executive Officer & CO- Founder

Asante Aid for Children and Schools in Africa www.asanteaid.org