OYUGIS INTEGRATED PROJECT

  As the new year begins, Shirikisho Dispensary's Home-Based Care (HBC) program has launched an ambitious HIV sensitization initiative targeting youths. This proactive approach comes in response to alarming statistics from 2024, which highlighted that Kenya has the seventh largest HIV burden globally. With 38% of all new adult HIV infections occurring among adolescents and young people aged 15–24 years, there is an urgent need for comprehensive awareness programs. Recognizing that schools offer a strategic platform to reach young people effectively, the HBC team has focused its efforts on educational institutions. Schools provide an environment where young individuals can be engaged collectively, allowing for interactive sessions and discussions on HIV/AIDS prevention, transmission, and treatment. The Need for Youth-Focused HIV Sensitization Kenya's national progress towards the 95–95–95 targets—standing at 96–>98–97—is commendable. However, the high infection rates among yo...

Shirikisho Crafts, a unique initiative under the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP), is transforming the lives of young women through skill acquisition, counseling, and spiritual guidance. This program is not only an avenue for vocational training but also a safe space where participants can address personal challenges and grow holistically. Every Friday, the students gather for group counseling sessions and spiritual guidance, creating an environment of mutual support and collective healing. These sessions, led by experienced counselors and spiritual mentors, focus on promoting mental well-being, fostering resilience, and cultivating a sense of purpose. The group setting encourages open dialogue, allowing the girls to share experiences and learn from one another. Beyond the group sessions, Shirikisho Crafts offers personalized one-on-one counseling available on any day of the week. This individualized approach ensures that every student receives the attention and care they need to naviga...

  On January 16, 2025, the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) hosted a successful training session for home-based care volunteers at the OIP Social Hall. The training focused on equipping volunteers with the knowledge and skills to identify and manage opportunistic infections in HIV, particularly tuberculosis (TB) and herpes zoster (shingles). Purpose of the Training The training aimed to enhance the capacity of volunteers to support individuals living with HIV/AIDS by providing essential health education, monitoring for signs of opportunistic infections, and assisting in the early identification and referral for treatment. Opportunistic infections remain a significant challenge for people living with HIV, and this initiative underscores the commitment of OIP to improve health outcomes in the community. Key Highlights Tuberculosis (TB) Session The first session of the day was dedicated to tuberculosis, one of the most common and severe opportunistic infections among people l...