Men's Roles in Fighting Hiv

Because Men Don’t Speak Out Doesn’t Mean They Don’t Face Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) is often seen as an issue affecting women and girls, but it is important to recognize that men and boys are also victims. In Kenya, cultural norms and societal expectations make it difficult for men to speak out about their experiences with GBV. Many fear judgment, ridicule, or being seen as weak. This silence, however, does not mean that GBV against men does not exist.

Men face different forms of GBV, including physical abuse, emotional manipulation, and economic control. Key populations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) or men living with HIV, are particularly vulnerable due to stigma and discrimination. Unfortunately, because these issues are rarely discussed openly, the victims are often left to suffer in silence, with minimal support or understanding from their communities.

This year’s World AIDS Day theme in Kenya puts the spotlight on men and boys, aiming to address some of these challenges. In a groundbreaking move, the event will feature a marathon where men and boys will take center stage, symbolizing resilience, unity, and the need for open conversations about their health and well-being. This initiative not only acknowledges the critical role men play in fighting HIV but also creates a platform to discuss issues like GBV that are rarely associated with men.

The marathon is an opportunity to break the silence and challenge harmful stereotypes that prevent men from seeking help. It is also a chance to reinforce the importance of men’s participation in ending HIV and GBV in Kenya. As the country gears up for World AIDS Day 2024, we must ensure that men feel supported to speak out about their struggles and become active partners in creating a violence-free society.

Let us use this event to advocate for inclusivity and raise awareness that GBV is not just a women’s issue—it affects everyone. By addressing GBV and HIV together, we can take meaningful steps toward a healthier, more equitable Kenya.

Profits Over Patients? No

In Kenya's ambitious march toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), private health facilities are scrambling to partner with the Social Health Authority. On paper, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) sound like the ultimate win-win. But scratch the surface, and a glaring question emerges: are private players truly committed to equitable care, or just another profit-making venture?

Take TB care, a cornerstone of public health, yet glaringly overlooked in many private setups. The very facilities eyeing UHC contracts have left gaps in basic services. Their commitment to "standard care" often extends only as far as the cheques flow. It’s no secret that for many private providers, underserved areas and chronic conditions like TB simply don’t fit into their business models.

Yet these same facilities now want a seat at the UHC table, hoping for lucrative contracts and public funding. Should we roll out the red carpet for those who have repeatedly ignored the health of the most vulnerable? Without stringent scrutiny, Kenya risks turning UHC into a blank cheque for private profits, not better health outcomes.

The solution? Enforce rigorous accreditation. Before engaging in PPPs, private facilities must demonstrate their commitment to standards of care, especially in neglected areas like TB. Transparency in service delivery and financial practices must be non-negotiable, and performance evaluations should involve independent bodies and community-led monitoring mechanisms.

UHC is a promise to all Kenyans, not a business deal. Private facilities have a role to play, but only if they are willing to put patients before profits. If they can’t meet these expectations, they should stay out of the way of Kenya’s healthcare revolution. Otherwise, UHC will be nothing more than an expensive charade, where those who need it most remain in the shadows of neglect.

Bringing Lung Diagnostics to Kenyan Communities: A Call for Equitable Access to X-Ray and CT Technology

In the recently concluded Joseph Oluoch International Scientific Lung Conference in Nairobi, one resounding message emerged: the need for accessible and reliable lung diagnostic tools in every corner of Kenya. X-Ray and CT imaging, highlighted by global experts at the conference, offer an essential route for early detection and treatment of lung diseases like tuberculosis (TB), pneumonia, and even lung cancer. The conference became a rallying point for advocates, particularly TB champions, to push for these life-saving tools to be installed and maintained at local healthcare facilities, making quality care accessible and affordable for communities nationwide.

Kenya is grappling with a high incidence of lung diseases, with the World Health Organization (WHO) identifying TB as one of the leading infectious disease killers in the country. Data from the Ministry of Health underscores a worrisome reality: each year, Kenya records over 86,000 new TB cases, with thousands going undetected due to gaps in diagnostics. Other lung diseases, including COVID-19 and pneumonia, continue to pose significant health burdens, particularly in underserved areas where diagnostic equipment and trained personnel are often scarce. Unfortunately, for many Kenyans, this means they either receive a delayed diagnosis or none at all, leading to unnecessary complications, prolonged illness, and, too often, fatalities.

Without adequate diagnostic tools like X-Ray and CT scans, healthcare providers are left relying on basic examinations and symptoms that may not always accurately reflect the underlying illness. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis not only costs lives but also drains resources for families who seek repeated medical consultations, as well as for the healthcare system, which must treat advanced stages of preventable diseases.

The potential of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), adds another dimension to this challenge. AI applications can revolutionize the interpretation of X-Ray and CT images, especially in remote or underserved regions. With AI tools, healthcare workers could accurately diagnose lung diseases even when specialists aren’t available on-site, bridging the gap between urban and rural healthcare quality. A powerful synergy between diagnostic equipment and digital tools could ensure that even the most remote clinic offers reliable diagnostics. For Kenya, this isn’t a future ambition but an urgent need.

Equipping local facilities with X-Ray and CT scanners would represent a significant leap toward healthcare equity in Kenya, where every Kenyan, regardless of location, has access to timely and accurate diagnostics. Kenya’s TB champions, healthcare leaders, and policymakers have a unique advocacy opportunity to drive these changes, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against lung disease.

As we move forward, our collective challenge is clear: we must secure the necessary equipment, invest in skilled personnel, and embrace innovative digital tools to protect Kenya’s most vulnerable. Ensuring that our communities have access to life-saving diagnostic technology is not just a matter of health but a matter of justice.

Say No to #Safaricom’s Interference with Local Names

The recent suggestion by Safaricom to change the name of a local school has raised important questions about corporate influence on local identities and traditions. At its core, this move highlights a complex tension between brand image and community heritage. Why would a company like Safaricom, which enjoys a robust market presence, feel the need to involve itself in the naming of a local school? From a layperson's perspective, this question is both puzzling and concerning.

Across the world, many places are known for their resistance to name changes, preserving the original names of places and people as part of their cultural heritage. This tradition is not just about holding onto the past, but about respecting the history and meaning that these names carry. For example, in the United States, military helicopters are often named after Native American tribes, a practice that maintains a connection to the country’s heritage and acknowledges the deep cultural significance of those names. Such naming conventions reflect a broader trend of valuing historical and cultural identity.

In contrast, Safaricom’s suggestion to change a name might be rooted in the fear that an unfamiliar or "difficult" name could reflect poorly on the company's image or make their support seem less relatable. However, should this be a reason to alter names that have been cherished by communities for generations? The suggestion to change a name like Ochot Odon'g in a place like Homa Bay could ignore the cultural and historical significance that such a name holds for the local community, despite its complex pronunciation for outsiders. A name carries the identity, history, and essence of a place, and altering it for convenience strips away part of that identity. Would Safaricom then prefer names like Ludhe Dongo, simply because they are easier to pronounce or more marketable? Such a suggestion would be a clear case of undermining the deep connection people have with their localities.

Moreover, the potential loss of a project or sponsorship due to sentiments over a name suggests a more concerning reality—one where economic considerations overrule cultural respect. Are we saying that a community must change a name, perhaps one with hundreds of years of history, simply because a corporation does not find it suitable? If this is the case, we are treading into dangerous territory where corporations dictate not only economic but also cultural aspects of local life.

From an anthropological perspective, such actions can be seen as pseudo-ethnocentrism. It implies a superficial attempt to understand and integrate into a community while fundamentally disregarding its core values and traditions. By advocating for name changes, Safaricom risks being perceived as imposing its cultural comfort zone on communities rather than truly embracing the diverse heritage that makes each place unique.

Let us say no to Safaricom's suggestion to change names and to any other corporate attempt to alter the essence of our communities. Supporting a school, region, or project should not come with conditions that undermine the cultural identity of the people it seeks to help. True corporate responsibility involves respecting local heritage, even when it challenges comfort zones. Names, no matter how complex or unfamiliar, carry stories, history, and pride. They should be preserved, not altered for convenience. Safaricom, as a brand that has thrived by being a part of Kenya’s communities, should recognize this and uphold the values of respect and inclusivity in its support—much like how other places around the world honor their history through the names they keep.

Empowering Voices, Ending Stigma: A Call to Action for TB and HIV Advocacy

Today, the Candlelight Memorial held a powerful event during the final day of the #TBSummit2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme "Empowering Voices, Ending Stigma: A Call to Action for TB and HIV Advocacy." This gathering aimed to raise awareness and advocate for inclusive policies that address the ongoing challenges faced by recipients of TB care and TB-affected communities. The event highlighted the urgent need to combat the persistent stigma and discrimination that many people experience due to their association with TB and HIV, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all. #EndTBNow #TBFreeKenya

Speakers at the event called on leaders to ensure equitable access to life-saving TB and HIV services, including rapid diagnosis, anti-TB medication, and antiretroviral therapy. They stressed the importance of addressing barriers that prevent marginalized communities from receiving the care they need, focusing on education, preventive measures, and comprehensive support systems. Additionally, the event underscored the need for greater resources to address the gap between current funding and the true needs of those affected by TB and HIV, including related health challenges like drug-resistant TB and opportunistic infections. #EmpowerTBChampions #BingwaTBSummitKE

A central message of the event was the critical role that recipients of TB care and TB-affected communities must play in shaping the policies and programs designed to support them. By incorporating the voices of those directly impacted, leaders can create more responsive and effective solutions. The gathering emphasized the empowerment of women and youth as key to driving change and building community resilience in the fight against TB and HIV. #LightUpForTB #TBCandlelightMemorial

The final day of the #TBSummit2024 served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by TB and HIV-affected communities and as a call to action for stronger, more inclusive advocacy efforts. It honored those lost to these diseases while reaffirming a collective commitment to ending the epidemics through solidarity, dignity, and inclusion. The summit concluded with a renewed pledge to #EndTBNow and a vision for a #TBFreeKenya, aiming to inspire future initiatives and collaboration.

Integration or Erosion? How Careless HIV Service Integration Risks Undoing Kenya’s Hard-Won Gains

In a country where the fight against HIV has been long, hard-fought, and, for many, personal, it’s disheartening to see the wheels come off under the guise of “HIV service integration.” What was meant to be a seamless, stigma-free approach to care is quickly becoming a tragedy—this time not because of the virus itself, but because of the very people who are supposed to be making things better.

Imagine it: in the new era of integration, a patient walks into a pharmacy with hope, only to walk out with stigma that sticks like a permanent label, broadcasted for everyone to see. The supposed champions of this integration seem to have missed a small, yet crucial detail: patients are not just numbers on a spreadsheet. They are human beings, and with HIV, they’ve had more than their fair share of challenges. Yet, under the careless handling of this shiny new “integrated” system, we are sending people back to the shadows they’ve fought so hard to emerge from.

The rhetoric in the boardrooms is all sunshine and rainbows. Service integration, they say, will bring efficiency! More access! Less stigma! But on the ground, in the so-called “real world,” what we’re seeing is quite the opposite. When pharmacy staff loudly disclose a patient’s status, or when people are sent from one counter to another without the sensitivity such a process requires, it feels less like progress and more like a painful flashback to the bad old days when HIV was treated like a shameful secret.

This is where HIV integration risks turning into HIV erosion. The erosion of trust, the erosion of dignity, and the erosion of the gains we’ve made as a country in fighting the stigma and discrimination that so often comes with HIV. All it takes is one reckless service provider, one thoughtless public disclosure of a person’s HIV status, and you’ve got yourself a clinic full of empty seats where there should be patients receiving life-saving treatment.

Let’s not pretend this is a one-off occurrence. The same insensitivity we’re hearing about in clinics across Kenya is starting to rear its ugly head in boardrooms, too. The people at the helm of policy are falling over themselves to cradle this “integration” baby, while leaving behind the very principles of confidentiality, respect, and human rights that are meant to protect the people they serve. It’s a dangerous game, and the losers will be those at the mercy of this broken system.

The gains we’ve made in Kenya’s battle against HIV are nothing short of monumental. We’ve turned a disease once synonymous with death into a manageable condition. We’ve gotten people into care, on treatment, and back into the community, not with labels but with dignity. Yet this careless approach to integration threatens to unravel all of that. If we don’t fix this now—if we don’t demand accountability from the people running this show—then we will have to face the harsh reality that we’ve not only failed those living with HIV, but we’ve also failed the generations who were supposed to inherit a world where #AIDSIsNotOverYet.

Integration should mean breaking down barriers to care, not creating new ones. It should mean treating patients as whole people, not as diseases to be hidden or statistics to be ticked off a list. We cannot allow HIV service integration to become a euphemism for undermining human rights. Not when the stakes are this high.

As we all know too well, HIV isn’t just about health. It’s about humanity. And if our healthcare systems can’t reflect that, then maybe we need to rethink who’s really calling the shots. Because one thing is certain: if we let this careless approach continue, we’ll find ourselves back at square one—only this time, we’ll have no one to blame but ourselves.

Bridging the Gap Between Health and Education – A TB Champion's Impact in Makueni County

In Makueni County, Kenya, the fight against tuberculosis (TB) is more than just a medical challenge—it's a battle against stigma, misinformation, and the violation of fundamental human rights. At the heart of this struggle is Mueni, a dedicated TB survivor turned Community Health Promoter, whose recent advocacy efforts highlight the critical intersection between health and education.

Mueni's journey began in 2018 when, after nearly a year of misdiagnosis and suffering, she was finally diagnosed with TB. Following eight months of treatment, she overcame the disease and embarked on a mission to ensure that no one else in her community would endure the same struggle without proper support. Her training by TAC Health Africa equipped her with the tools to tackle TB through contact tracing, identifying treatment interrupters, and conducting health talks. Today, Mueni works tirelessly, ensuring that TB recipients of care in Makueni are not just treated, but understood, supported, and integrated back into their communities.

However, her most recent intervention at a local primary school highlights an ongoing challenge that goes beyond the hospital walls. A young girl, set to sit for her exams, was denied access to school for two months due to her TB diagnosis. Out of fear and ignorance, the school administration insisted that she complete her treatment before being allowed back. This was not only a violation of the child’s right to education but also a painful reminder of the stigma that continues to surround TB in our society.

Mueni’s quick and compassionate response not only ensured that the girl returned to school but also exposed the broader issue of how TB recipients of care are often treated. After engaging with the school’s teachers, she provided a much-needed health talk on TB, dispelling myths and educating the staff on the disease’s transmission, management, and the importance of supporting rather than isolating those affected.

Her advocacy resulted in a complete reversal of the school’s decision, allowing the child to return, accompanied by a letter from the clinician. This incident illustrates the far-reaching impact that trained TB champions like Mueni can have, not only in health settings but also in safeguarding the rights of individuals in other areas of life, such as education.

The situation in Makueni is not unique. Across Kenya, ignorance about TB often leads to the isolation and marginalization of recipients of care, especially in schools. Teachers and administrators, despite their well-meaning efforts to protect others, can sometimes act out of fear, inadvertently violating the rights of students. This is where the intersection of health and education becomes crucial.

Mueni’s intervention highlights the urgent need for comprehensive sensitization in our schools. Teachers, administrators, and even parents need to understand that TB, while airborne, is treatable and that recipients of care should not be denied their right to education or subjected to stigmatization. Schools should be places of learning and inclusion, not exclusion and fear.

Moreover, this case reveals a broader advocacy issue that must be addressed by policymakers and local governments. There is an urgent need for more extensive education programs within schools about TB, HIV, and other communicable diseases. This would not only help reduce the stigma surrounding these illnesses but also ensure that students affected by these conditions receive the support they need.

Makueni County, like many other parts of Kenya, has made great strides in TB management. However, as Mueni’s experience demonstrates, the fight against TB extends beyond diagnosis and treatment. It involves challenging the misconceptions that perpetuate stigma and ensuring that TB recipients of care are treated with dignity and respect in all aspects of life.

The success of Mueni’s intervention is a testament to the power of community health promotion. Her work reminds us that TB champions, armed with the right knowledge and advocacy tools, can drive real change, bridging the gap between health and education. But it also underscores the fact that much work remains to be done. If we are to truly eradicate TB and eliminate the stigma surrounding it, we must continue to advocate for the rights of all individuals affected by the disease—because #TBRights are #HumanRights.

Mueni’s dedication is an inspiration to all of us. Her ability to turn personal adversity into community action demonstrates the profound impact that a single individual can have. By fostering greater understanding within schools and communities, she is paving the way for a future where no child is denied their right to education because of TB. We must all follow her lead and continue to work toward a more inclusive society, where health and education work hand in hand to protect and uplift the most vulnerable among us.

The HIV Paradox—Health or Wealth?

It’s funny how some diseases seem to get the express lane, isn’t it? COVID-19 rolled in, and before we could even finish stocking up on hand sanitizer, there was a vaccine. Ebola? Blink, and there’s a solution. Yet HIV, a virus that’s been ravaging communities for over four decades, still has no cure. It lingers, tantalizingly just out of reach, like a carrot dangling on a stick. Why is it that in a world of cutting-edge science, we’ve made breakthroughs for so many diseases, but the endgame for HIV remains elusive?

Maybe it’s because HIV has become the “golden goose” of the pharmaceutical industry—a steady stream of revenue too lucrative to disrupt. The global HIV antiretroviral (ARV) market is projected to reach nearly $30 billion by 2027, with pharmaceutical companies raking in billions every year from lifelong treatment. As long as people remain dependent on ARVs for survival, the cash keeps flowing. The question is, why cure something when you can treat it for life? Is this really about health, or is it about wealth?

HIV isn’t just a health issue anymore; it’s a massive industry. Big Pharma has every incentive to keep the status quo: continued investment in ARV treatments, newer drugs to "manage" the virus, and constant innovation—just enough to hold off the demand for a cure. Intellectual property laws and drug patents play a major role in this, as they allow pharmaceutical companies to maintain monopolies on life-saving treatments, keeping prices high and competition low.

The focus on treatment over a cure is particularly devastating for the Global South, where the brunt of the HIV epidemic is felt. In sub-Saharan Africa, there are an estimated 25.6 million people living with HIV, accounting for nearly 70% of all people globally affected by the virus. Countries in this region are forced to dedicate a substantial part of their health budgets to HIV treatment and care. According to UNAIDS, in some of the hardest-hit countries, 20-40% of healthcare expenditure is funneled into HIV programs. This comes at a tremendous opportunity cost.

Imagine what could be accomplished if these billions of dollars didn’t have to be poured into maintaining the status quo of HIV treatment. The resources currently spent on keeping millions of people on lifelong ARVs could be redirected to other critical areas—education, infrastructure, sanitation, and clean water initiatives (WASH), to name a few.

For instance, about 663 million people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water, many of whom are in the Global South. HIV funding diverts valuable resources that could help build resilient water systems and infrastructure in these underserved regions. Similarly, a significant portion of healthcare funding in these countries could be used to bolster education systems, build schools, and improve learning conditions. In countries like Kenya, where HIV prevalence hovers at 4.3%, a substantial percentage of national resources are locked into the long-term management of HIV, limiting the ability to invest in sectors that could spur national development and help break the cycle of poverty.

Complicating matters even further, the global fight against HIV has become a battleground for governments, donors, and pharmaceutical giants. Leadership within governments and international organizations often jockey for tenders to secure lucrative contracts for ARVs, diagnostic kits, and treatment programs. In many cases, these tenders are not awarded based on public health priorities but on personal gain, corruption, or political alliances.

The pandemic of HIV has created a network of dependencies—governments in the Global South reliant on donor funding, global organizations funneling billions into programs that support lifetime treatment, and Big Pharma profiting from the perpetual need for ARVs. All the while, people living with HIV are left wondering if the leaders who claim to fight for their health are really fighting for tenders and contracts, using HIV as a tool for profit.

The narrative is kept alive by a global propaganda machine that lauds the fight against HIV without critically examining why, after over 40 years, a cure remains just out of reach. We celebrate awareness campaigns and incremental progress but fail to ask the hard questions: Why is curing HIV not the priority? Why do intellectual property laws continue to block innovations that could potentially lead to a cure? Why are governments so invested in treatment tenders instead of long-term solutions?

The need for a cure is not just a health imperative—it’s an economic and developmental one. Imagine the transformative power of redirecting the billions currently spent on HIV management towards the development goals that are desperately needed in the Global South. A cure for HIV would free up vast amounts of resources that could be reallocated to WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) activities, infrastructure development, educational programs, and health systems strengthening.

Take education, for example. In regions heavily affected by HIV, where public health funding is disproportionately allocated to fighting the virus, educational systems are underfunded and underserved. A cure would mean fewer young people losing parents to AIDS-related illnesses, fewer children dropping out of school to care for sick relatives, and more government funds available to improve schools, hire teachers, and provide the materials students need to succeed.

Or take infrastructure. Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa desperately need roads, clean water systems, and electrification projects. Yet, with healthcare budgets burdened by HIV, there is little room for investment in these critical areas. If HIV were cured, the resources saved could spur national development, lifting millions out of poverty and creating a ripple effect of improvement across health, education, and economic sectors.

We, the people living with HIV, just want to know: is this about health or wealth? The pharmaceutical industry, the governments that support them, and the global health institutions that enable them must make a choice. They must decide whether the pursuit of profit will continue to take precedence over the lives and well-being of millions of people.

The time for endless treatment without a cure must end. HIV has held back development in the Global South for too long. The billions of dollars spent annually on managing this virus could be better spent building schools, improving infrastructure, providing clean water, and lifting nations out of poverty. Curing HIV isn’t just a medical necessity; it’s a moral and economic imperative.

Let’s stop treating HIV as a commodity and start treating it for what it is—a virus that should have been eradicated long ago. The answer to whether we prioritize health or wealth is long overdue.

The Power of Community-Led Monitoring in the Digital Age: A Success Story from the Network of TB Champions Kenya

In an era where information spreads at lightning speed across social media platforms, the ability to respond swiftly to emerging issues has become more critical than ever. This reality was brought into sharp focus recently when the Network of TB Champions Kenya, particularly our Meru chapter, mobilized to trace and support Mulika (not real name), a fellow community member whose private health information was irresponsibly shared online.

This incident underscores a fundamental truth in today’s interconnected world: swift response is no longer just a best practice—it’s a necessity. As messages, rumors, and misinformation can spread in real-time, the outcomes of our collective efforts can be drastically influenced by how quickly and effectively we respond. The rapid action taken by the Network of TB Champions Kenya not only safeguarded Mulika's well-being but also highlighted the immense power of community-led monitoring (CLM) in addressing such sensitive issues.

Community-led monitoring is more than just a buzzword; it’s a transformative approach that puts the power of oversight and accountability into the hands of those directly affected. CLM empowers communities to take charge of their narratives, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. In this case, the swift mobilization of our network served as a powerful example of how CLM can be leveraged to achieve justice, protect individual rights, and prevent further harm.

The Mulika's case is a testament to the effectiveness of a people-centric approach in TB response. By rallying together, we demonstrated the strength and unity that can be harnessed to advocate for justice, uphold patient rights, and reinforce the importance of confidentiality in health matters. This success story also serves as a reminder of the critical role that community-led monitoring plays in our efforts to end TB. By actively engaging in monitoring and responding to situations that impact health and well-being, communities can ensure that their members are protected and supported in real-time.

As we continue our mission to eliminate TB and advocate for the rights of those affected, the lessons learned from this experience are clear: collaboration, swift action, and community leadership are essential components of success. In the digital age, where the speed of information can either help or hinder our progress, the importance of these elements cannot be overstated.

The Network of TB Champions Kenya will continue to champion the principles of community-led monitoring, ensuring that we remain vigilant and responsive in our approach. By doing so, we not only safeguard the rights and well-being of individuals like Mulika but also strengthen our collective ability to make meaningful progress in the fight against TB.

This is our call to action: to remain united, to act swiftly, and to lead with compassion and respect. Together, we can harness the power of community-led monitoring to create a healthier, more just world for all.