In a groundbreaking celebration themed “Let Communities Lead,” KELIN supported Homa Bay County to mark the 2023 World AIDS Day with impactful initiatives at Ndiru Stadium in Rangwe Sub County on December 1. “My body is not a democracy,” was the subtheme of the day derived from ARASA’s Bodily Autonomy and Integrity (BAI) campaign. Through this sub-theme, KELIN advocated for body autonomy and integrity to combat the triple threat of HIV infections, early teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence.
The day, attended by 1500 participants, featured a vibrant procession with motorbike riders from Nairobi to Ndiru led by the Homa Bay County, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and CECM for Gender. With support from KELIN, CSOs, and CBOs offered diverse services such us medical checkups, HIV Testing and Counselling, Blood Donation, SRHR IEC materials and dignity pack distribution.
KELIN orchestrated enlightening sessions, including a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Pauline Omoto. Panelists, including SRHR expert Janet Aketch, medical expert Maurine Odongo, the County AIDS and STIs Coordinator (CASCO) Steve Omondi, and youth advocate Rodgers Omollo, explored body autonomy and integrity as keys to addressing the triple threat.
In a creative display, LVCT-Health Dream Girls used traditional dance to call for community participation in protecting girls and women. KELIN hosted a painting competition where adolescent girls & young women, (AGYW), people living with HIV (PLHIV), and Key Population expressed their views through art on ‘MY BODY IS NOT A DEMOCRACY,’ with cash prizes for compelling depictions. Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) mothers, graduates from Health Education Initiative (HEI), celebrated 0% transmission with a cake-cutting ceremony, receiving Christmas gifts from KELIN emphasizing care for mothers and HIV-exposed infants.
In her speech, Pauline Omoto emphasized KELIN’s commitment to advocating and promoting health-related rights, specifically sexual reproductive health rights, empowering individuals to take charge of their bodies. The day concluded with a football match between local teams, Ndiru FC Vs Homeboys FC, wearing jerseys branded with the subtheme, presenting a unique opportunity for community advocacy.
KELIN will persist in harnessing the BAI campaign’s momentum, collaborating with the Homabay county government and other implementing partners. Our goal is to eradicate the triple threat plaguing Homabay county and achieve the highest attainable standard of health.
To contribute to the discussion, follow KELIN on our social media platforms.
Twitter: @KELINKenya
http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya
For more information, please contact.
Pauline Omoto
Program Associate
Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV & AIDS (KELIN)
Kuwinda Lane, Karen C, off Langáta Road E
