OYUGIS INTEGRATED PROJECT

Despite Kenya's remarkable progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Homa Bay County remains one of the country's highest HIV burden counties . According to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) report, A Decade of Progress Report: Translating Progress into Success (2013–2023) , Homa Bay is among the eight counties that together account for over half of all people living with HIV in Kenya. Nationally, Kenya has approximately 1.38 million people living with HIV , with an HIV prevalence of 3.3% . While the country has made significant strides toward achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets—with 95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 97% receiving antiretroviral treatment, and 94% achieving viral suppression —new infections continue to occur, particularly among adolescents, young people, and women. Homa Bay continues to face these challenges, requiring sustained community-based interventions. For more than two decades, the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) ...

Having health talks in villages is a critical strategy for HIV prevention and control in Kenya, as adolescents and young people (AYP) bear a disproportionate burden, accounting for approximately 39% of all new adult HIV infections. Village-based outreach is essential because youth in remote or hard-to-reach areas often face significant geographical and social barriers to accessing standard health services. Recognizing this need, the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP), through its HIV program, has intensified community HIV sensitization activities across Kasipul Sub-County. OIP teams regularly conduct village health talks, community dialogues, school outreach programs, youth forums, and door-to-door awareness campaigns aimed at educating community members on HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care. The project also collaborates with local leaders, community health promoters, religious institutions, and youth groups to ensure HIV information reaches vulnerable populations effectively. ...

The Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Environment Day through a meaningful tree-planting exercise aimed at promoting environmental conservation and creating awareness about the importance of protecting our natural resources. During the celebration, OIP successfully planted 60 trees within its compound and surrounding areas. In addition, 60 tree seedlings were donated to members of staff and volunteers, encouraging them to become active participants in environmental conservation within their homes and communities. The activity brought together staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries who shared a common commitment to safeguarding the environment for future generations. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm as participants planted trees and discussed the important role that trees play in improving air quality, conserving water, preventing soil erosion, and mitigating the effects of climate change. The donation of tree seedlings to staff and...