Kenya

WORLD AIDS DAY December 1, 2005-Kenya

Read World AIDS Day Statement from UNDP Adminstrator Mr Kemal Dervis.

Media clips for December 2,from Nation newspaper.clip1, clip2.

The enhanced security team is working closely with the UN System through the UN learning team on HIV/AIDS in Kenya, an inter-agency body, that was formed in January 2004. The learning team invited all Kenyans to various events that ran from 28 november - 1 december to mark the 2005 World AIDS day, .Click here to read the invite.

The various events were:

a) Photo exhibition
b) Free Voluntary counselling and Training.
c) Commemoration room.
d) Condolence book for signing.
e) Videos for viewing
f) Diary exhibition:Living in a world with HIV/AIDS.

The objective of this learning team is to de-mystify HIV/AIDS among UN employees in Kenya as a whole.

Elly Oduol, is the assistant resident representative for enhanced security unit and co-chair of UN learning team. He has been working with the learning team in implementing their activities such as: facilitating training workshops, undertaking countrywide needs assessment using the UNAIDS global survey instrument and preparing outreach material for the staff union quarterly newsletter.

BACKGROUND ON WORLD AIDS DAY CAMPAIGNS

The agreement in 2001 by Heads of State and Representatives of Government to support the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS marked a milestone in the history of the AIDS epidemic. It sent a signal from governments that urgency would be needed in addressing the devastation of the global epidemic with leadership, honesty and action.

While nations around the world have made previous commitments to respond to HIV and AIDS within their own countries, this was the first time they gathered to recognize that AIDS was a global crisis requiring global action.

The Declaration set out specific commitments the international community would work to fulfill upon their return home – including prevention campaigns, reducing stigma, building health infrastructures, providing necessary resources, and ensuring treatment, care and respect for people living with HIV or AIDS. In many cases, these commitments included specific deadlines, making the Declaration a powerful tool to guide and secure action, support and resources for all those fighting the epidemic, both within and outside government.

These historic commitments to action in support of a comprehensive AIDS response are not solely aimed at political leaders but at us all. Everyone has a role to play in responding to HIV and AIDS.

As Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General, said at the Special Session, "All of us must recognize AIDS as our problem. All of us must make it our priority."

Useful links:

UNDP-kenya activities on HIV/AIDS

World campaign on HIV/AIDS