KENYA

The SWHAP was launched in Kenya in July 2005. ABB, Atlas Copco, Amazon Motors (Volvo), Sandvik, Scania, Technical Engineering Services, Ericsson and Tetra Pak participate in the SWHAP Kenya network. Taken together, these companies employ approximately 500 persons. In total, five companies in Kenya have had applications for co-financing of their workplace programmes approved by the SWHAP.

It is evident that the initiative of SWHAP has made a profound contribution to the establishment of basic fundamentals through implementation of comprehensive and sustainable workplace programmes on HIV and Aids at the Swedish-related companies in Kenya. Structures such as HIV and Aids committees, peer educators and training schemes are in place and capacity building has been completed at most of the workplaces. The companies can report success in high VCT uptakes and the provision of access to treatment, care and support for their employees and their kin. Stigma at the workplace has been successfully addressed through policy formulation and dissemination while misconceptions on transmission and prevention of HIV and Aids have been countered with education sessions. Because the workplaces include the families of the employees in their programmes they also reach out to the surrounding community. In the future, a big focus will, among others, lie on trying to reach an even higher VCT uptake.

For more information contact Kenya Country Coordinator Mr Daniel Mwaura