Health Implementation

In 2024, PATH Kenya/USAID funded Keeping Alive Societies’ Hope (KASH) in a project that ensured that critical HIV prevention and care work in Kisumu County would continue to expand. The project titled, “Scaling up Demand and Access to HIV Prevention and Care and Treatment Services for Female Sex Workers, MSM, and Transgender Persons in Kisumu County,” was part of USAID’s Nuru Ya Mtoto program.

Working across Kisumu East, Kisumu Central, Kisumu West, Seme, Nyando, and Muhoroni, KASH built safe spaces and strengthened trust within communities. At the heart of this effort was the Kondele Drop-In Center (DICE), a place where key populations—sex workers, transgender persons, and men who have sex with men—could access HIV testing, treatment for HIV and TB, STI screening, and most importantly, a sense of dignity and belonging.

The approach was deliberately people-led. Peer Educators and Peer Navigators, many of them community members themselves, reached out to their peers with information, testing kits, and encouragement. They walked with individuals who were fearful of stigma, guided them to services, and helped them stay connected to care. Outreach was not just about numbers; it was about restoring confidence and giving people hope that they could live healthy, fulfilling lives. KASH reached over 11,000 members of key populations (Sex Workers, Trans Persons, LGBTQI) with prevention services. This project expand innovations such as HIV self-testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), ensuring that more people had discreet and effective options for prevention.

The following articles and resources highlight our past work and background:

  1. Open Society Foundations – Successful Model for Collaboration between Sex Workers and Law Enforcement
  2. Planet Romeo Foundation – Keeping Alive Societies Hope
  3. FHI360 – From Abuse to Protection: Building Understanding Between Police Officers and Sex Workers
  4. Star Newspaper – Group helps Kisumu sex workers fight for their rights

a) HIV & Sexual Health Services

  • HIV Testing and Counseling (HTC) – voluntary and confidential testing for HIV.
  • Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) – initiation, management, and refills for individuals living with HIV.
  • Viral Load Monitoring – regular testing to ensure viral suppression.
  • Prevention Services (PrEP & PEP) – preventive medications for HIV-negative individuals at risk.
  • STI Screening and Treatment – detection and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.
  • Cervical Cancer Screening – routine screening for early detection and treatment among female clients.
  • Contraceptive Services – a range of options including hormonal methods, injections, and implants.

b) Mental Health & Psychosocial Support

  • Counseling Services – individual and group sessions addressing stigma, discrimination, and mental health.
  • Peer Support Programs – guidance and encouragement from peers with lived experience.
  • Referrals to Specialized Mental Health Services – for clients needing additional care.

c) Human Rights

d) Socio Economic Inclusion Programs

  • Digital Literacy Training
  • Business Skills Training
  • Linkages with Micro-Finance Institutions