HIV PREVENTION

INTERVENTIONS ON HIV

In PS Kenya, various social behavior change campaigns were implemented to reduce risky sexual practices among at-risk and vulnerable populations. Evidence-based behavior change communication techniques promote correct and consistent use of our products and reduce high-risk behaviors. Campaigns are delivered through innovative and appropriate channels to reach those most at risk

ABSTINENCE CAMPAIGNS

The primary goal of this campaign was to increase the percentage of youth who choose to abstain from sex. The Target Audience was Male and female youth aged 10-15

The campaign slogan “Ni poa Kuchill” was very well received and the style of the communication was perceived as highly acceptable based on feedback from the youth. The campaign also created safe language for youth to discuss sex or “chilling” with their parents and peers. According to tracking surveys done by PS/Kenya in 2005, 2007 and 2010, the Nimechill campaign, was widely seen by the urban and peri-urban 10 to 14-year-olds it targeted. Those with higher exposure were more likely to believe in their own ability to abstain and intention to abstain.

The Nimechill campaign reached urban and peri-urban 10 to 14-year-olds effectively. Those exposed to the campaign expressed a stronger intention to abstain from sex and believed in their ability to abstain. During the seven-month campaign, the percentage of youth who reported having never had sex increased from 88 to 95% The study suggests that the campaign messages boosted the youth’s confidence in their ability to abstain..

CONDOM USE CAMPAIGNS

  • Trust Condoms: In 1993, PS Kenya, then known as PSI Kenya, launched the Trust condom, with the primary target being at-risk, sexually active youth aged 15-24. The key focus was increasing accessibility in peri-urban and urban outlets (getting condoms to non-tradition outlets) by getting more retail outlets to sell a package of 3 Trust condoms at KES 10
  •  The Kuwa True and Form ni Gani Campaign – “Kuwa True” (Be yourself) and “Form ni Gani” (which loosely translates to “What’s your plan”). PS Kenya is leveraging digital and in-trade platforms to communicate with consumers, e.g., Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – the leading social media platforms for engagement with the target audience – Johnny and his girlfriend, Gina.

Condom Self-efficacy: To increase the adoption of safer sexual practices, PS Kenya implemented various condom-use mass media campaigns, including:

  1. The Let’s Talk & Sema Nami campaign focused on promoting the reduction of HIV, STI prevention of pregnancy and minimizing stigma and embarrassment associated with condom use and purchase.
  2. The Nakufeel campaign aimed to increase awareness of the risks of HIV infections among 15 -24-year-olds with low-risk perception and high HIV infection prevalence. The program influenced behavior among the youth to use condoms as anyone is at risk of HIV infection.
  3.  The Kuvaa CD campaign focused on imparting quick easy to remember steps in condom use such as Pinch the tip, Place on Penis and Roll it down – short PPR. The campaign was flighted through an integrated approach, which leveraged various mediums, including Television, Radio, Print and Social media, to deliver the message of correct and consistent condom use to prevent HIV. The campaign was implemented with a focus on gaining high reach and high affinity. The strategy involved TV spot advertisements and sponsorship of specific programs and properties that appeal to the target audience. Due to the viewing rating given by the Kenya Film Commission Board, the campaign could only air out of the watershed period past 10 pm as it was deemed to have adult-only content and unsuitable for general viewing.

DREAMS


PS Kenya developed and implemented the USAID’S DREAMS the aim of the campaign was to on the prevention of HIV transmission among adolescent girls and young women, ensure that those who are negative are empowered to stay negative. The acronym DREAMS stands for DETERMINED, RESILIENT, EMPOWERED, AIDS –FREE, MENTORED and SAFE LIVES

HIV TESTING

PS Kenya has developed and implemented various HIV Testing campaigns:

  • The 1st campaign launched in 2001 supported Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Services by increasing general awareness of the need for VCT services, service centres and who should go for a test.
  •  The 2nd campaign, Chanuka, focused on the youth and featured youth celebrities to promote VCT as the key tool to help individuals control and manage their serostatus to achieve future goals and dreams.
  • The 3rdthird campaign, Chanukeni Pamoja, was targeted at young couples to encourage young Kenyan couples to visit VCT centres to establish each other’s HIV status as a standard, indisputable element of dating, getting married or starting a family. The campaign used young Kenyan celebrities and their partners, who were dating, engaged or having a baby, to visit a VCT centre together to record the testimony of their experience at the centre.
  • The 4th campaign, Onyesha Mapenzi Yako, targeted older married/cohabiting couples where prevalence was increasing.
  •  The 5th campaign, Jitambue Leo, was implemented in 2009
  • PS Kenya has also developed and implemented a campaign on HIV Testing campaign among men.
    Mwanaume Kamili PS Kenya focused on the ‘total/ real man’ (Mwanaume Kamili) to address the key barrier: fear of testing. The campaign unpacked the desire inherent in every man to be a complete/ total man, a universal notion not restricted to socioeconomic or psychographic groups. Therefore, the campaign sought to evoke this same emotion about testing: while you are trying to work hard and provide for your family, be there for your children and be there for your friends, knowing your status means you can do these things confidently

Oral PrEP

 PrEPJIPENDE JIPREP   PS Kenya spearheaded the development of this campaign intending to bolster demand creation efforts. The objective was to enhance awareness of PrEP as an integral component of a comprehensive array of prevention strategies, including condom use, Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and treatment. The campaign targeted key populations in Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Mombasa, Kwale, Taita-Taveta, Kilifi, Kisumu, and Kisii counties, as well as adolescent girls and young women in Migori County.

RISKY BEHAVIOURS

Concurrent partners

PS Kenya in collaboration with the Government of Kenya developed communication dissuading couples from engaging in concurrent sexual partnerships popularly known as Mpango wa Kando communication. The communication sought to create understanding on:

  • How a large number of otherwise unrelated individuals can be connected sexually in a network of concurrent relationships
  • How the infection of one individual in the network with HIV can result in the rapid transmission of the virus to individuals throughout the network

An appreciation of concurrency as one of the primary behaviors contributing to the high incidence of HIV among relationships previously considered “low risk”

Alcohol influence “Kunywa Zaidi, Teleza Zaidi”

The message served as a rallying call, urging individuals to reject social norms that would increase the risk of contracting HIV. It emphasized that higher alcohol consumption correlated with an elevated likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behaviour, thereby heightening the risk of HIV transmission. This message was tailored for both single and married males and females aged between 18 and 30 years.

The target audience included three main groups: sporadic heavy drinkers, frequent heavy drinkers, and social drinkers along with friends of drinkers. By reaching out to these individuals, the campaign aimed to raise awareness about the link between alcohol consumption and risky sexual behaviour, ultimately reducing the incidence of HIV transmission within the community.

VMMC

Skiza Sauti ya Ukweli” PS Kenya implemented the campaign targeting men above 15 years in all regions, but most importantly in traditionally non-circumcising communities. The communication messages around VMMC stated that circumcision does not offer complete protection against HIV; neither is it a substitute for other HIV prevention measures.