Kenya launches big fight against AIDS
Morna, C.L.
New African 259: 30
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0142-9345 PMID: 12281803 Document Number: 359400
Kenya's National AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) Committee is taking serious measures to adapt World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on counseling. In 1989, Kenya launched a massive campaign to train AIDS counselors from all sectors of society. A core of trainers has been drawn from health, education, social welfare, and religious milieus, each of whom has been mandated to recruit and educate more counselors. Counseling is regarded by the Government of Kenya as the priority of the national AIDS program. In addition, over 64 blood screening centers have been established in the country and are accessible even to those who are asymptomatic but wish to know their human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody status. However, until this point, these blood tests have not been accompanied by counseling services. On another front, researchers at Nairobi's Kenyatta National Hospital are experimenting with use of the Today vaginal sponge to prevent the spread of HIV. The spermicide in the sponge has been shown to kill the virus in test tube experiments.