[ contending with hiv in kenya ]
The Tumaini Clinic serves women like Dertu who was bedridden when FH staff first met her. With proper treatment, Dertu can live a productive life and care for her children.
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The Tumaini Clinic also conducts testing for HIV and has weekly nighttime appointments to shield people from scrutiny in an area where stigma remains high. Regarding stigma, Food for the Hungry’s HIV program coordinator Kim Buttonow says, “Stigma complicates the issue of HIV even further and contributes to denial and finally death. For instance, if a husband or wife suspects he or she may be infected by the spouse, but is fearful of being tested there is no way the person can gain treatment.While one breach of the marriage relationship may have started this crisis, further broken relationships due to stigma and secrecy hinder a solution. Our goal is to work toward restored relationships and we meet people where they are.” Meeting people “where they are” involves complementing the work of the clinic in Marsabit with trained staff and volunteers who regularly visit community members in their homes. Staff and volunteers assess needs, and form local committees to care for those who are at risk. At times, even Food for the Hungry staffers who work with those who are infected and affected by HIV can face stigma and discrimination. Clara Robe, HIV/AIDS programs coordinator, says when she started serving in the area of HIV, family members said to her, “What comfort do you get from working with those people?” In spite of what she hears, Clara is full of compassion. She says she firmly believes that those who are facing the ramifications of HIV, whether the infected person or family members, are human beings with value. She adds that no one is “above” being affected by HIV. A treacherous road, a remote location, stigmatization, lack of water and, at times, electricity – any of these factors could have deterred this coordinated effort to fight HIV in northern Kenya. But, like the strong voices of the women who sang to celebrate the opening of Tumani Clinic, this effort is moving forward. In the words of one Food for the Hungry staff member, the ability to respond to the HIV crisis in this manner is both a “dream and a prayer.” For Food for the Hungry-Kenya, today is another day to pray for an end to the HIV crisis and hold on to a dream for a tomorrow free of HIV/AIDS.