about 80 percent of these children are not only HIV

Plugging the gap

There are currently 20 paediatric psychosocial support groups in Vihiga, catering for 600 HIV-positive children; about 80 percent of these children are not only HIV-positive but also total orphans. They meet independently every weekend and once a month with a healthcare provider who gives them health talks.

The programme is helping fill a large gap in the care of children living with HIV nationally. The Kenya National AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections Control Programme says there are just 1,800 health workers trained to care for the estimated 170,000 Kenyan children living with HIV.

I know how to use a condom ... I have accepted my condition and I try to make other children and adults also just accept our condition

According to Faith Oriwo, a field coordinator at EGPAF, the support groups have been instrumental in addressing the special needs of children living with HIV. "HIV-positive children have different psychosocial support needs from those of HIV positive adults; they need a platform to play freely with people they are comfortable with, especially when they are children whose HIV-positive status is known to many people and which might create stigma," she said.

"Giving them the opportunity to share, helps to reduce stigma amongst them because they realize they are not alone and they are not any different," she added.

Oriwo noted that the behaviour change communication imparted to the children would hold them in good stead as they transitioned to adulthood and began to deal with sexual matters.

Fourteen-year-old Patience*, who says she is already sexually active, has received education on reproductive health and condom use, and is a peer educator at her school।

"The counsellors have taught me things about how I can stop being pregnant... I know how to use a condom," she said. "I have accepted my condition and I try to make other children and adults also just accept our condition."