Tuesday 16 August 2011
This afternoon we visited Pal Omega, a support group for people with HIV positive status, in Manyatta slum, Kisumu. The chairperson, Phelgona Atieno, has additonal roles: she teaches in St Luke's Nursery, a day nursery for orphans and disadvantaged children (many with HIV positive status) and is a 'paralegal', which is someone who attends situations where domestic abuse is occuring. Yesterday we saw Phelgona at work in the nursery (and worked at involving the children in telling fairy stories) and knew her to be an active, dedicated person.
Pal Omega was set up in 2004 and comprises 29 women and 5 men, operating in the constituency of Kisumu East, to combat the stigma and discrimination of having HIV/AIDS and provide practical support and care to those who are sick.
Rosalyn Achien, one member, described the difference it has made to her life: "Before joining Pal Omega I was really down and couldn't see any point in life. When I joined I saw that these people have HIV but it isn't the end; they have accepted their status and understand how to live with it - how to stay healthy by taking the drugs regularly and taking care of themselves. Now I know that HIV positive status doesn't have to be a death sentence; with appropriate care and action you can live a long life with a good quality of living."
The group generate an income by hiring out chairs and bead making. Members are encouraged to begin their own businesses (cleaning, food preparation) and participate in table banking to raise funds. Phelgona summed up Pal Omega's achievement: "As a result of campaigning we can now access free anteretrovials and HIV testing. Because we are taking care of our lives, we feel that we are equal to others in community and that our status is no longer a source of shame."
Rosalind Camp
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