World AIDS Day, Nairobi Style
By Clare Dougherty
Washington, D.C.
December 15, 2009

On December 1, while the rest of the world was celebrating World AIDS Day, two U.S.-based colleagues and I were visiting Nairobi, Kenya, to work with our staff there to develop an advocacy and communications strategy.

We were eager to observe how World AIDS Day was celebrated in Kenya, a country that has made significant progress over the last ten years toward managing their AIDS epidemic. Our Nairobi-based colleagues, Judith Kose and Karen Mathenge, graciously agreed to escort us to the Kenya International Convention Center, so that we could take part in the city’s lively and informative World AIDS Day celebration.

Clare Dougherty (far right), with Jen Pollakusky (far left), Judith Kose (second from left), and Karen Mathenge (second from right) at the Kenya International Conference Center on World AIDS Day.

Hosted by the National AIDS Control Council of Kenya, the theme of this year’s celebration was “Universal Access and Human Rights.” Upon arrival, we watched a “pageant” of people living with HIV, who are living healthy lives after disclosing their status and consistently taking anti-retroviral medications. It was inspiring to witness a large crowd cheering in support of these brave honorees.

We also watched as lines grew for on-site mobile HIV testing units, which provided private spaces for voluntary counseling and testing for anyone interested. Next, we listened as Warren "Buck" Buckingham, Kenya’s country coordinator for the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), made eloquent remarks on the nation’s strides against HIV/AIDS over the last ten years. Buckingham reiterated the U.S. government’s strong commitment to continuing financial support of HIV/AIDS efforts in Kenya — at the same time emphasizing that lasting success is only possible if the Kenyan government continues to work hand-in-hand with the U.S.

Finally, against the backdrop of traditional Kenyan music performances, our group attended an information fair sponsored by a variety of HIV prevention and treatment groups from across the country.

This event provided our team with a close-up view of the messaging and materials being used to promote a variety of prevention efforts in Kenya — invaluable information, which will impact the Foundation’s thinking as we work with our Kenyan staff to draft an advocacy and communications strategy. World AIDS Day in Nairobi proved to be an informative and moving experience — one that I won’t soon forget.

Clare Dougherty is the Foundation's director of public policy and advocacy, based in Washington, D.C.