"PEPFAR gives resilience"

PEPFAR Kenya gives hope and resilience through....

equipping PLHIV to fight stigma and help their neighbors as community health promoters

PEPFAR Kenya continues to provide comprehensive quality client-centered antiretroviral (ART) care to over 1.3 million Kenyans and over 350,000 persons addressing stigma and discrimination. PEPFAR contributes to Kenya's national vision of reducing HIV-related stigma, discrimination, and gender-based violence (GBV) by increasing access to quality HIV prevention, treatment, and care services for all people living with HIV - especially adolescent and young people, persons with disabilities, adolescent girls and young women, and key populations.

Despite the dramatic reduction of new HIV infections in Kenya over the last 20 years of PEPFAR's partnership, HIV-related stigma and discrimination persist. The situation is compounded by national policies that hinder easy access to HIV/GBV and reproductive health services by marginalized populations. Barriers like addressing HIV status without consent and stigma among health workers remain a concern. Lucas’ story highlights the challenges and experiences that people living with HIV (PLHIV) encounter, and how he has been able to employ service to overcome stigma, with PEPFAR's support.

Lucas's Story

In the heart of Kenya, Lucas Ekomwa Ekuwom, a dedicated HIV-positive Community Health Promoter (CHP), is transforming the landscape of HIV care in his community. His inspiring journey showcases how one individual's acceptance of their status can become a beacon of hope and support for others.

Kenya has made great strides in making antiretroviral therapy more widely available. Still, the challenge remains in linking newly diagnosed clients to treatment and offering HIV testing to partners of those living with HIV. Maurine Lokamar, an HIV Testing Services (HTS) provider at St. Catherine's Facility in Lodwar, Kenya, noticed this challenge firsthand. Many clients were reluctant to disclose their HIV-positive status to their partners, hindering the crucial linkage to care.

One such case was Lemuya Eroo, whose husband had tested positive for HIV but chose not to disclose his status. Maurine and her team persistently contacted Lemuya during the facility's monthly outreach activities, urging her to know her status. Lemuya was initially adamant and dismissive of their efforts.

Lemuya's co-wife, who had been unwell for some time, tragically passed away. After her death, Lemuya discovered that her co-wife had been living with HIV and was on antiretroviral therapy. This revelation motivated Lemuya to take control of her health and get tested. She contacted the community health promoter (CHP) in Lorikot, who connected her with Lucas Ekuwom. Lucs moved into action and supported Lemuya to get tested for HIV.

Lemuya's test results returned positive, but Lucas didn't stop at helping her learn her status; he became her unwavering support system. Lucas engaged with Lemuya throughout her pregnancy in 2021, ensuring she received the necessary care and support. She gave birth to a healthy baby girl, who is now part of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) program. Lemuya's dedication to her treatment was remarkable, with her viral suppression rate nearing perfection.

Linkage to care, the critical first step in successful HIV treatment, involves completing an initial doctor visit after an HIV diagnosis. Through his unwavering support and dedication, Lucas helped Lemuya navigate this daunting journey.

"I'm happy that the team at St. Catherine constantly tried to get me tested. Now that I know what I know, I understand why they were so persistent," said Lemuya. "I am happy I know my HIV status, and I have the chance to take control of my health because I want to be healthy and present for my three children."

Lucas takes immense pride in his role as a CHP. His openness about his HIV-positive status allows him to genuinely connect with those he interacts with and support them on their journey to better health. He believes that transparency and acceptance are crucial to breaking down stigma.

"I have accepted my status, and that means the most important bit is they can't hurt me because I have taken back the power," Lucas explained. "When rejected, I come back over and over again. I am resilient and leave something small for those who may initially be hostile. I bring food, offer assistance; I redefine hospitality."

Lucas's story is a testament to the power of acceptance, empathy, and unwavering support in the fight against HIV. Through his dedication, Lucas has helped Lemuya and redefined hospitality and community support for HIV-positive individuals in his community.

Lucas's photos © Abyssinia Lati / US Embassy Nairobi