World AIDS Day--the crisis continues

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The worldwide HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to expand. According to UNAIDS, 33.3 million people live with HIV, including 2.5 million children. In 2009, some 2.6 million people became newly infected with the virus and an estimated 1.8 million people died from complications from AIDS. The great tragedy of this disease, which has already taken more lives than all casualties from World War II, is that it is largely preventable; furthermore many treatment alternatives can be employed but are not. In those places where there is not a base of shared community knowledge and attitude regarding the realities of HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention, and treatment, the disease will continue to spread at a growing rate.


At left, KALA holds a health literacy discussion group with local women in the community


Efforts to disseminate medicine and information can make a life-saving difference for millions. Unfortunately, these efforts have limited impact if not accompanied by an effective educational component. Often information disseminated through pamphlets and posters is written at a level that is too technical for those who need the information most. If information and medicine distribution is conducted in conjunction with a participatory, culturally-adapted, community learning process, participants can access literacy skills and needed information, and generate community consensus leading to changed behavior and local action. The need for effective, action-oriented learning efforts is urgent.

Kenya is home to one of the world’s largest HIV/AIDS epidemics. An estimated 1.5 million people are living with HIV; more than 1 million are women and close to 1.2 million children have been orphaned due to AIDS. ProLiteracy’s partner, Kenya Adult Literacy Association (KALA) in Nairobi, is actively reaching vulnerable populations through a unique health and education program combining AIDS education with literacy and community action. This year, KALA has worked with more than 8,000 adults, youth, and children who have lost family members and been infected by HIV/AIDS in Kenya.


At right, orphans from Thika District excited to be receiving rice. The young girl in the pink trousers was found abandoned with her brother in the bushes.

KALA also has an AIDS orphan initiative. Women in KALA’s literacy program visit with orphans on various occasions to assess their health and other needs. They are trained to facilitate a dialogue with children in regards to HIV/AIDS. Additionally, KALA has extended their sphere of influence offering workshops and trainings to local Maasai tribal leaders. The trainings consist of life skills, basic literacy, and health literacy as men are also affected many of the social issues surrounding AIDS/HIV.

On World AIDS Day, ProLiteracy is proud to support the work of KALA. Together, we are dedicated to saving the lives of women, children, and their families through HIV/AIDS education.

Comments

  1. KathyJuly 8, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    I think this is fantastic the ProLiteracy helps and supports these groups. Health education is so important to stop some of the disease processes from continuing to become out of control. So much of this is sad because a lot of it is preventable.
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  2. KrisSeptember 4, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    Dear Kathy,

    I agree with you. This also points to the cognitive transformation that occurs on the part of people living within such communities. I am wondering how difficult it might be for people during the phase in which their thinking is transformed. How challenging is it for people to shift their habits even if it is for health and wellness? Change is generally difficult.

    ReplyDelete
  3. SKWDecember 10, 2011 at 6:59 PM

    I can't help but notice the joy and smiles on the Kenyan children's faces in the above picture.
    I agree there must be participatory, culturally-adapted, community learning activities and resources, where participants can access literacy skills, health care, and other needs to make transformational life changes.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Katrina Key BakerDecember 11, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    Dear Kristucker,

    I agree that behavior can be challenging to alter however, I believe with the assistant of culturally sensitive health care education a social change can occur. As a health care professional, I've seen individuals, families and communities destroyed by this disease. Education is one part of the process to improve the health of Africa and other countries affected by this illness. It is very difficult to implement a change in behavior without proper knowledge, teaching and education.

    ReplyDelete

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