Sustainable HIV/AIDS program at the United States International University

(USIU)Kenya- Nairobi

Fighting stigma against HIV/AIDS in University setting

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY – NAIROBI

NOPE Conference 2008

IntroductionUniversities are high-risk institutions

According to UNAIDS the following are some of the social and behavioural factors that predispose young people to HIV infection:

oLarge sexual networksoAge-mixing (typically older men with younger women)

oLittle or no condom useoAlcohol and drug abuseoMoral decadance-Value system

All of these factors exist to a greater or lesser degree in the sexual behaviour of students on campuses

Introduction (2)Acceptance of HIV/AIDS on campus varies… (M. J Kelly survey,ADEA 2001)

(Western Cape University)

Twice as many students considered it to be a stigma to be HIV positive as those who did not

There is a fear of discrimination

Individuals are not open about their HIV status

This contribute to the spread of the disease…

Background:USIU HIV/AIDS program for students and staff

USIU is located in Nairobi and counts around 4,000 students and 300 staff

The USIU HIV/AIDS program was initiated in 2005 by PharmAccess and Stop Aids Now! funds

2005,Launch of Program with HIV prevalence survey

USIU comprehensive HIV/AIDS program

HIV/AIDS policy developed

AIDS Control Unit (ACU) established

Ongoing activities: HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness (P&A)

activities peer education program On-campus VCT facility Care and treatment (HAART) to HIV positive

students and staff at campus clinic

USIU HIV/AIDS MISSION

TO PLAY A LEADERSHIP ROLE IN THE ELIMINATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HIV/AIDS IN USIU AND ITS COMMUNITY THROUGH PREVENTION, CONTROL, CARE, SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE BY USE OF SELECTED HIGH QUALITY INTERVENTIONS INCLUDING ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL

On-site VCT facility

Campus clinic Peer Educators training

Level of stigma among students: KAPB 2005…worrying figures…

Over 50% of respondents would consider blaming a fellow student for being HIV positive, among them:

73% of them stated promiscuity as reason of being infected

69% said it served the HIV positive student right for not using condoms

50% of respondents indicated that a HIV positive female student would be treated worse than a HIV+ male student within the USIU environment

What does USIU do to fight STIGMA?

1. USIU HIV/AIDS policy The HIV/AIDS policy commits the

entire USIU community in fight against stigma and discrimination

Make sure EVERYBODY knows about the HIV/AIDS policy(“no discrimination” principle)

...fight against STIGMA

2. Increase education and knowledge on HIV/AIDS through sessions, Peer Education: 150 Peer Educators are trained every year to organize education session on campus and to conduct behaviour change campaings

3. Ensure that confidentiality measures (for VCT, ARVT,…) are respected and inform about it

...fight against STIGMA

Share experience among universities and students: exemple HIV positive student witness (ICL)

Community Outreach activities increase awareness and acceptance of PLWHA

TALK openly about HIV: campaings, focus group discussions, include HIV/AIDS in curriculum, etc…

SUSTAINABILITY OF THE USIU PEER EDUCATOR PROGRAM

1. UNIVERSITY’S COMMITMENT. The creation of the USIU HIV/AIDS policy

integrates and entrenches the Peer education program to existing structures thereby making the success of the program a priority to the university.

2. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT Good administration system to ensure

consistency and quality of the program (ACU) Monitoring and evaluation of peer educators per

semester.

PEER EDUCATORS

Having an adequate number of peer educators

Up-dating training and keeping it relevant to the challenges faced by peer educators

Keeping peer educators busy, motivated and engaged thus reducing peer educator turnover

Ensuring ownership of the program by the peer educators through the formation of the peer educator’s club

Discussion

In your opinion where should open education and discussion about HIV/AIDS start?At school/workplaceAt homeAt churchEtc. ?

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY - NAIROBI

Thank You!