Reproductive Health & HIV Services
The primary Kenyan organization with whom we partner is the Nyanza Reproductive Health Society (NRHS), which operates primarily in Western Kenya, where the prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is among the highest in the world. The leaders of AheadKenya have been working with NRHS since since it was founded in 2002.
Below is a summary of programs that AheadKenya aims to support through NRHS.
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Regular testing for HIV and STIs is critical to reducing the spread of infections in the population because, once detected, they can be treated, greatly reducing the likelihood of further transmission. For the individual, early detection and treatment allow maintenance of a strong immune system and increase the likelihood of a long and productive life without the burden of stigma and discrimination. Ahead Kenya can support the counselors and clinicians engaged in outreach services, reaching vulnerable people who need these HIV testing, counseling, and treatment services. A special focus is on adolescent and young women who are especially vulnerable.
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Same-sex sexual practices remain criminalized under sections 162–165 of the Kenyan Penal Code. Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and other members of the LGBTQ community in Kenya experience high levels of stigma, discrimination, and violence. Many are forced to remain underground, which severely limits access to health and social services. Among gay men who came out to their families, 89% reported being disowned. Many face termination, ridicule, and discrimination when their sexual orientation becomes known in the workplace. In many settings, GBMSM have three to five times higher HIV prevalence than same-aged heterosexual men. NRHS founded an organization called Anza Mapema (“start early” in Kiswahili) to provide a safe, supportive space for GBMSM that includes regular confidential HIV testing, risk reduction counseling, group activities, and affirming support activities. It is very difficult to raise funds to support this highly vulnerable population, yet the need is great. Consequently, this is a priority area for AheadKenya.
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Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Kenyan women, yet it is one of the most preventable cancers. Regular screening detects precancerous changes before they develop into cancer, greatly improving treatment outcomes and survival rates. Yet, very few Kenyan women report for any cancer screening. We aim to support educating and raising awareness about the benefits of screening, as well as Pap smears and visual Inspection with acetic acid (VIA) to catch lesions early and reduce cancer morbidity.
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NRHS and leaders of AheadKenya were instrumental in proving in clinical trials that circumcision reduces the risk of HIV acquisition in men by 60% and provides other health benefits to men and their female partners. NRHS provides safe, high-quality circumcision services aligned with the Kenyan vision of an AIDS-free generation, and VMMC is integrated with broader sexual and reproductive health services to ensure comprehensive care.
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Additional programs to be supported through NRHS include: Drug resistance testing; menstrual cups for young women and female commercial sex workers; early infant male circumcision; laboratory diagnostics for human papilloma virus (HPV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV-2).