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...

 On October 31, 2024, Shirikisho Dispensary held a comprehensive seminar for its Home-Based Care (HBC) volunteers, led by Br. Michael, to introduce and guide them through the newly launched HBC Guidebook. This seminar aimed to equip our volunteers with practical insights and hands-on guidance, reinforcing the dispensary’s commitment to quality and consistency in caring for people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic conditions. Facilitators provided an in-depth overview of the guidebook, focusing on its structured approaches to patient care, ethical guidelines, and care standards. Key sections of the guidebook were discussed, including patient assessment protocols, palliative care methods, psychological support techniques, and infection control practices. Volunteers were encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussions on real-life applications of the guidebook’s principles, making the session highly interactive and insightful. The seminar enhanced volunteers’ skills in: Pat...

 On October 31, 2024, Shirikisho Dispensary proudly launched the new Home-Based Care (HBC) Guidebook, a comprehensive resource designed to strengthen and support our ongoing care for people living with HIV/AIDS. The guidebook provides volunteers and caregivers with structured, evidence-based approaches to enhance palliative care, medical assistance, and holistic support, reinforcing our commitment to providing compassionate, community-based health services. The HBC Guidebook was created to serve as a foundational tool in our future planning and development of care strategies. By offering step-by-step guidance on managing patients' physical, emotional, and social needs, the guidebook will empower our volunteer caregivers to deliver consistent, high-quality care. Additionally, it includes practical advice on infection control, nutritional support, and psychological counseling, ensuring that care remains comprehensive and patient-centered. The guidebook will be instrumental in standar...

Shirikisho Crafts Students Design African Bags and Build Their Own Brand Shirikisho Crafts, an empowering initiative under the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP), is transforming lives and fueling dreams in Oyugis, Kenya. Recently, a group of young women enrolled in Shirikisho's craft program has embarked on an exciting venture: designing authentic African bags with the goal of creating their own brand. Driven by their passion and guided by mentors, these students are crafting vibrant, stylish bags that celebrate African heritage and creativity. The project is as much about skill-building as it is about sparking entrepreneurship. The students work with various materials and techniques, blending traditional African designs with modern aesthetics to make bags that stand out in the market. This fusion of heritage and contemporary style gives the girls a unique position in the growing world of African fashion and accessory design. Through this journey, Shirikisho is instilling essential s...

  A Heartfelt Thank You and Latest Updates Dear friends Warm greetings from OIP! We are pleased to present Issue 295 of our newsletter, filled with the latest updates and stories from our community. Your unwavering support has made a profound impact on the lives of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, and we are deeply grateful for your generosity and compassion. In this issue, you'll find inspiring stories of resilience, updates on our ongoing projects, and a look at the incredible progress we've made together. Your contributions continue to bring hope and positive change to many. Thank you for standing with us in our mission to support and uplift our community. Together, we are making a difference. With heartfelt gratitude, Br. Michael Mbogo  Coordinator  Oyugis integrated project