Kibera, Nairobi | 1 December 2025
On Monday, 1st December 2025, Consolation, in solidarity with WYCDO Kenya, partners, and the wider community, participated in the World AIDS Day commemoration held in Kibera under the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.” The event brought together community members, partners, and allies to celebrate life, resilience, courage, and hope among people living with HIV and AIDS, with a special focus on elderly women, women, and girls. The day also served as a moment of remembrance for those who have lost their lives to AIDS.
The commemoration adopted a participant-centered approach, creating a safe and inclusive space for dialogue on the lived realities of communities affected by HIV. Through individual counseling sessions led by nutritionists and counselors, followed by group discussions and plenary sessions, participants openly shared experiences, challenges, and coping strategies. Consolation facilitated interactive exercises, while cultural performances by The Dimes Group added moments of joy, expression, and community connection.
Discussions highlighted emerging challenges affecting community HIV responses, particularly the impact of international donor funding cuts. Participants expressed concerns over increased stress among people living with HIV, fears about the rising cost of antiretroviral medication, persistent stigma and discrimination, and the side effects of daily medication that affect adherence and overall well-being. These issues continue to hinder progress toward ending HIV as a public health threat.
One of the most powerful moments of the day was the sharing of resilience stories, including that of an elderly woman living with HIV who has survived cancer, lives with a disability, and continues to care for a child with cerebral palsy. Her story stood as a powerful testament to strength, dignity, and perseverance in the face of multiple vulnerabilities.
Participants also proposed practical, community-driven solutions to address the challenges identified. These included promoting income-generating activities to reduce dependency, encouraging enrollment in Social Health Authority (SHA) to support healthcare costs, and strengthening peer support systems through mutual encouragement, prayer, and solidarity among people living with HIV.
The World AIDS Day commemoration in Kibera reaffirmed the importance of community-led responses, resilience, and collective responsibility in transforming the HIV response, especially amid funding disruptions. Consolation remains committed to working with communities, partners, and local systems to ensure inclusive, dignified, and sustainable support for people living with HIV and AIDS.
