Approximately 6.7% of the population in Kenya (over 1.1 million productive adults and 100,000 children) are infected with HIV . Millions more have been in many ways affected by the virus. In the health sector, the impact of HIV has led to an estimated 60% of medical ward beds being occupied by HIV infected patients . The health system has been stretched, with health care workers overburdened with provision of care and treatment for PLHIVs.
Zingatia Maisha, means, “carefully consider life”, in Kiswahili. It is the project's rallying call to People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and the community at large to be consciously more involved in treatment, adherence and support.
Since the first HIV/AIDS case was recognised in Kenya, over two decades ago, the pandemic has caused overwhelming devastation in the country.
Life expectancy has reduced drastically by about 20 years while the psycho social and economic fabric of society has been stretched beyond capacity, rendering traditional coping mechanisms ineffective.
Zingatia Maisha is a country-wide project operating in health facilities and the surrounding communities across Kenya between October 2005 and April 2009. The project plans to work in a total of 38 sites across Kenya.
Aim
To improve the quality of life of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Kenya by reducing AIDS morbidity and mortality.
Achievements
- A situational analysis into the health management information system (HMIS) for ART services has been carried out at all 38 sites
- Project staff trained in Paediatrics Psychosocial Support and have initiated paediatrics support groups in some of the sites
- Key partner in the finalisation of the National Adherence support curriculum currently being pre-tested nationally
- Development of a draft defaulter tracing strategy
- Health facility and Community Linkage Committees (HCLCs) have been initiated in all 38 sites and recurrently involved in tracking referrals and monitoring support group activities
