State urged to increase financing on HIV programmes
Youth attending the 8th International convention on Peer Education, sexuality, HIV and AIDS on June 14, 2018 at the University of Nairobi. PHOTO | ANTHONY NJAGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Ms Passaris called on the government to have its stake in donor funded programmes for a sense of ownership.
- The convention was held at the Chandaria Performing Arts Centre from June 13 to 15.
The 8th International Convention on Peer Education, Sexuality and HIV and Aids ended on Saturday at the University of Nairobi Towers with stakeholders calling for more financing for prevention and treatment of teenagers in the fight against HIV and Aids.
The delegates were in agreement that teenagers are a high risk group and more prevention awareness needs to be created among them.
The convention was held at the Chandaria Performing Arts Centre from June 13 to 15.
It was convened by the National Organisation of Peer Educators (NOPE) an non-governmental organisation that addresses HIV/AIDS and sexual reproductive health among youth.
NOPE executive director Philip Waweru said the rising number of risky sexual behaviour and new HIV infections among adolescents and youth is alarming.
“Aids–related ailments are the leading cause of deaths in this age bracket in Kenya and Africa,’’ Mr Mbugua said, adding that NOPE has held biennial international conferences on peer education, sexuality and HIV/AIDS since 2004.
DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Participants in this year’s convention included government officials, representatives of the private sector, faith based organisations and youth representatives from schools and universities.
"More funding is needed for adolescent and youth programmes since infections among this group are growing daily,’’ said Mr Mbugua.
Speaking at the convention, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, who was the main guest, said it is in the interest of the government to manage HIV especially among youth if it is to achieve its development goals.
Ms Passaris called on the government to have its stake in donor funded programmes for a sense of ownership.
She noted that the convention has come at an opportune time when the National Government is implementing The Big Four Agenda that has detailed plans to ensure food security, affordable housing, manufacturing and universal health – including prevention and treatment of HIV And Aids.
Speaking at the same meeting, the Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric Aids Foundation Country director Eliud Mwangi said that his organisation currently has eight projects specially focused on adolescents and young people.
AIDS CONTROL COUNCIL
The convention partners and sponsoring organisations included National Aids Control Council, the University of Nairobi’s School of Public Health, Unitaid, Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric Aids Foundation, Hivos EA, Centre for Rights Education and Awareness, Deutsche Stiftung Welbevolkerung (DSW), LVCT Health and Centre for the Study of Adolescents (CSA) among others.
The Convention featured Youth Day, giving prominence to adolescent and youth issues including leadership, entrepreneurship and self-esteem.
“The event is aimed at using music to communicate the message of sexual awareness”, NOPE Senior Programme officer Peter Onyancha says.
Schools that have been invited for the Youth Day include: Lenana School, State House Girls, Ruthimitu Mixed Secondary School, St. Georges Girls, Nembu and Starehe, and youth groups from Kenya and Uganda, where NOPE operates.
