HIV/AIDS Prevention In The Deaf Community In Western Region, Kenya

Research has reported HIV/AIDS epidemic in deaf communities worldwide. NYAWERI VCT project in Kisumu, Kenya, was set up in 2003 to respond to needs of the deaf community with regard to HIV/AIDS prevention in Western and Rift Valley region. Four years later the project was evaluated for any impact on the community. Report revealed great change as deaf community members indicated awareness of preventive strategies such as avoidance of sexual intercourse with infected persons and unsafe sex, Largely condom use as well as abstinence were the most desired strategies. NYAWERI Staff members were found effective in their work and the study revealed development of positive attitude towards VCT uptake amongst the respondents. From the findings, there appeared to have been no special factors that influencing the choice of particular intervention strategies based on the respondents perspectives. Generally there was clear evidence of behavior change.