HIV&AIDS: Impact of Post-election violence

HIV&AIDS: Impact of Post-election violence Prepared by Lucy Simiyu (Secretary to the Steering Committee) on behalf of United Civil Society Coalition for AIDS, TB and Malaria (UCCATM) Hosted by ACTION AID KENYA P.O. BOX 41617 NAIROBI 00100 – GPO TEL: 0734 823275

Background • UCCATM was founded in November 2006 • This was with the support of Health Policy Initiative (HPI) in partnership with Kenya Treatment Access Movement (KETAM)

UCCATM Mandate • To provide leadership and mobilize civil society organizations in Kenya to address emerging advocacy issues on access to treatment • Target Government, Parliamentarians, Private sector and others • Its purpose is to ensure equity and access to affordable drugs, especially for HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis.

UCCATM Membership • Current UCCATM membership comprises over 100 organizations, most of which are consortiums. Some of the members are KECOFATUMA, KANCO, HERAF, KETAM, WOFAK, NEPHAK, KENAAM, HENNET etc. • International Organizations working closely with UCCATM include ACTION AID KENYA, HPI, OXFAM, HAI, etc.

Assessment of impact of post-election violence on HIV&AIDS • A fact finding mission by UCCATM conducted to different IDP camps around the country, using the various member networks and contacts • Some of the camps visited include: Kisumu, Homa Bay, Eldoret, Nakuru, Jamhuri showground, Narok, Nyamira, Limuru, Tigoni, Kisii

Assessment of impact of post-election violence on HIV&AIDS…cont • Each contact person and specific members of UCCATM had a guiding tool of particular questions • Some visits were made to PLWHAs who had been taken in by the communities

Assessment of impact of post-election violence on HIV&AIDS The assessment addressed the following issues: a) General hygiene observation b) Living conditions at the camps – including shelter c) Food – availability, distribution, etc d) Medical unit – ARVs, Counseling, TB e) Children – what is their situation like in the camps? f) What type of services available in the camps? Who is offering the services? What are the gaps and the challenges? g) What groups/organizations working in the camps?

Preliminary Findings • The estimated 21,000 PLWHAs (MOH) who have been displaced are now in danger of developing full-blown AIDS • All aspects of prevention, treatment, care and support have been compromised, putting the lives of PLWHAs in danger • The right to health has been severely interfered with seeing that access to quality health care in the camps is lacking

Preliminary Findings General challenges identified in the various IDP camps include: • Poor diet and nutrition • Lack of drugs • Lack of security hence rape and sexual violence/harassment • Limited psycho-social services for PLWHAs • Increase in Opportunistic Infections • Lack of condoms for the sexually active • Stigma and discrimination • Inadequate water supply

Preliminary Findings • The Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) - Nairobi Women’s & Children's Hospital - reported 130 cases of sexual assaults and abuses on both men and women, both committed outside and within the camps (this number may now be higher) • UCCATM also recorded cases of demand for sexual favors before services are offered to the IDPs (Question of middlemen?) • New cases of HIV infection are on the rise as seen at Jamhuri Showground. Out of 88 clients who visited the VCT, 17 were confirmed positive

Way Forward • Improve access to prevention, treatment, care and support services for PLWHAs within the camps • Improve diet and nutrition • Improve living conditions and hygiene for PLWHAs • Improve data collection and follow up on the PLWHAs • Set up a coordinating body

The Role of NACC • To provide leadership in responding to the crisis facing PLWHAs and the gains made in the last 5 years in the fight against HIV&AIDS • Set up an assessment and response centre within NACC which is all inclusive (multi-sectoral) of NGOs, CSOs, religious organisations, and development partners

Guidelines for assessment and response • Conduct a thorough situational analysis of the IDP camps and IDP host communities • Conduct health and safety assessment • Develop urgent intervention strategies: a) Provide validation b) Provide information c) Respond to health and safety issues

Guidelines for assessment and response • Documentation • Strengthen linkages with service providers for referrals and follow up • Coordinate all the players in the HIV&AIDS sector to provide leadership right from grassroots

Conclusion • Take the Lead!! Universal Access to HIV and AIDS prevention, Treatment, Care and Support demands committed Leadership. Leadership begins with you and me. (WAD Theme, 2007) • Unless we rise up and provide leadership in the HIV&AIDS sector in the current situation, the right to health will remain elusive in the country.

HIV&AIDS: Impact of Post-election violence