Afya Yangu, which translates to “My Health” in Swahili, is a project driven by the primary goal of improving the health and well-being of the homeless population in the Kibera area. This project has come in place through a partnership between Consolation and Salama. Homelessness and unstable housing are highly associated with increased risk of acquiring HIV, STI, TB and hepatitis C virus acquisition. Moreover, homeless people in many aspects are exposed to various health threats as a result of hazardous occupations, habits and exposure to structural violence. We then conducted a survey intending to find out how intersectional stigma is a critical barrier to access among homeless people in Kenya. The survey assessed how homeless populations are present in the current policies. The survey will help in finding ideas to advocate for policies and programs that foster enabling environments for the homeless people to access health services.
Goal of the survey was to Find out challenges experienced by streets and homeless families of Kibera Sub-County in accessing HIV and other health related services.
After the survey we shared the results on the experiences of the homeless people when seeking health services with heads of hospitals and the sub county authorities of Kibra. After the presentation there was a procession between Salama to Maendeleo Estate, the place where the homeless have built their structures. The march ended in song and dance celebrations with part of the entertainment being officiated by the homeless residents. The government lauded this work of noticing challenges faced by the most vulnerable members of the society and made promises to improve services towards them.
The chief promised to:
1. Assist homeless people get Identity Cards. ID cards have always locked the homeless from accessing public services.
2. Ensure essential immunizations and health services reach the homeless people. These include cholera, HIV/STI prevention and treatment and other services
3. Facilitate seminars for the health facilities to assist reduce stigma against the homeless
4. Facilitate in educating the sub-county officers about the homeless.
We plan to organise another event commemorating the Universal Health Coverage in a procession in December.
