In 2024, NRHS Kenya launched an innovative campaign aimed at raising awareness about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)—a game-changing tool in HIV prevention. This initiative played a crucial role in changing the narrative around HIV care, particularly for high-risk groups, and provided individuals with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves from the virus.

The Challenge

Despite the availability of PrEP, misconceptions and stigma around HIV prevention have hindered its widespread adoption, especially in marginalized communities. Many individuals, particularly transgender women, sex workers, and young people, remain unaware of the protective benefits of PrEP or face barriers to access. NRHS Kenya recognized the urgent need to tackle these challenges and ensure that more people had access to this life-saving medication.

What NRHS Kenya Did

1. PrEP Education and Awareness Campaign
   NRHS Kenya launched a nationwide campaign to educate individuals on the importance of PrEP. The campaign included:
   • Community outreach via social media platforms, community health centers, and mobile health units.
   • Workshops and forums with at-risk groups, including those in rural and urban communities.
   • Radio and TV spots featuring real-life testimonials from people who had benefited from PrEP.
2. Free PrEP Access and Testing
   Recognizing the financial barriers some people face in accessing PrEP, NRHS Kenya partnered with local clinics and health organizations to provide free HIV testing and PrEP prescriptions. The program made it easy for individuals to obtain their first supply of PrEP at no cost, encouraging more people to take preventive action.
3. Training Healthcare Providers
   Healthcare workers were trained to understand the science behind PrEP, its correct usage, and the importance of culturally competent care. Over 700 healthcare providers were trained across various counties, ensuring they could offer accurate information and facilitate access to PrEP for high-risk individuals.
4. Targeted Outreach for High-Risk Groups
   The campaign focused heavily on outreach to key populations at heightened risk of HIV transmission, including:By meeting people where they are—whether in communities or through online platforms—NRHS Kenya helped to break down the stigma surrounding HIV prevention.
   • Transgender women
   • Sex workers
   • Youth and adolescents
   • People in serodiscordant relationships

The Impact

By the end of 2024, the PrEP awareness campaign had seen significant success:

• Over 10,000 individuals accessed PrEP for the first time, with a notable 30% increase in uptake among high-risk groups.
• 97% of healthcare providers trained reported improved confidence in discussing PrEP with patients.
• Increased Awareness: Surveys indicated that 85% of people in target communities now understood the role of PrEP in preventing HIV.

One participant, a young woman from Nairobi, shared: “Before learning about PrEP, I was scared to have a relationship, thinking HIV was unavoidable. Now, I’m confident in protecting myself and my partner.”

Looking Forward

NRHS Kenya is committed to expanding the reach of this program in 2025, with plans to:

• Roll out additional educational programs targeting rural areas with limited access to HIV prevention information.
• Partner with pharmaceutical companies to ensure a more consistent supply of PrEP in health facilities.
• Continue to advocate for government funding and policy changes to make PrEP accessible to even more individuals.

Get Involved

Join NRHS Kenya in our mission to reduce new HIV infections. Visit nrhskenya.org to learn more about our ongoing initiatives and how you can support the fight against HIV in Kenya.

Together, we can create a future where HIV is no longer a threat to the health and well-being of our communities.