FHI - Colin Powell Discusses HIV Prevention with Kenyan Youth

Colin Powell met with 19 young Kenyans in Nairobi in January to discuss the AIDS epidemic and how to successfully promote HIV prevention among young people.

During his visit, Alex Makika, Ruth Njambi and Peris Wakeesho described their peer education training conducted by the National Organization of Peer Educators (NOPE), an organization established by young Kenyans with the assistance of the IMPACT Project, which is managed by Family Health International and funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development. They now work as youth counselors for various organizations in Nairobi. Several youth peer educators from I Choose Life, a faith-based nongovernmental organization working with university students, and youth dramatists supported by Population Services International gave short presentations to the Secretary on youth prevention programs that emphasize abstinence.

Three Girl Guides traveled from Nakuru, 200 kilometers from Nairobi, to meet Mr. Powell. Grace Gathoni, Julia Gathoni and Millicent Achieng have all earned HIV/AIDS merit badges for undertaking various activities to learn about HIV prevention and promote behavior change to their peers at school. These activities are part of the Kenya Girl Guides' life skills program, which is supported by the IMPACT Project.

Millicent thanked the Secretary for the financial assistance the United States gives to Kenya for HIV/AIDS, particularly for its support of the Girl Guides program. She also asked the Secretary what help the United States can give to orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya, one of the country's major unmet needs. The Secretary responded that he would discuss this important issue with Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki at their next meeting.

Photo: Colin Powell discusses the AIDS epidemic with young Kenyans involved in prevention activities. (Frederick Onyango) View a larger image.