AHF Pushes Proven Community Models for Stigma-Free HIV Services in Kenya's Health Integration Push

 



The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has backed the Kenyan government’s push for health integration, urging the adoption of models that are effective and free from stigmatization.

Speaking in Mombasa during a health integration summit on March 18, 2026, AHF’s Regional Policy and Advocacy Manager for East and West Africa, Diana Tibesigwa, emphasized the need for patient-centered approaches.

Tibesigwa noted that people living with HIV/AIDS often prefer confidentiality to avoid stigma. She added that AHF prioritizes community involvement, ensuring that patients’ voices remain central in the delivery of health services.



“Safe spaces have been very critical. Some people fear judgment from health workers, while others fear stigma from the community. These spaces have therefore been key, and we believe that even within the integration agenda, such initiatives should be maintained,” she said.

Tibesigwa called for the adoption of proven models used by AHF in HIV response to streamline integration and empower patients to take ownership of their health and local health programs.

“Part of what we are presenting here is a model called Community Power Voice. This structure is meant to mobilize both patients and non-patients to take ownership of their health, support implementation of health programs, and monitor service gaps while raising them with leadership for community-driven solutions,” she added.





She further noted that Kenya and many African countries require additional training for health workers to effectively implement integration.

“We still have an opportunity to train our health workers on how to handle different groups, including key populations such as commercial sex workers. These groups require special attention, and currently, the existing health workforce may not have sufficient capacity to address their needs,” she said.





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