Breaking Down Barriers: Kenyan Initiative Empowering Men to Access HIV Services
Eight hours east of Nairobi, by train, is Kilifi, a Mohan coastal town dotted with resorts and lined with narrow wooden boats that navigate its cerulean waters. Each week, Michael Onyango, a tireless advocate, journeys to this vibrant community to empower men to engage with vital HIV services. He’s not alone.
Onyango leads Keeper of Men, a community organization spearheading a grassroots initiative aimed at addressing a crucial gap: the limited access to HIV services among men in Kilifi County. Stats paint a stark picture: only 65 percent of Kenyan men and boys who are HIV-positive are on antiretroviral therapy (ART), significantly lower than the 80 percent of women and girls. Globally, the trend mirrors this concerning disparity – the World Health Organization and UNAIDS report that men globally are lagging behind in achieving the 95-95-95 targets: 95% of people knowing their HIV status, 95% of people with HIV receiving treatment, and 95% of people on treatment controlling the virus.
Against this backdrop, Kenya’s Kilifi County, comprising both bustling towns and rustic villages, faces another challenge: service access needs a re-think. Peer data collectors highlight that clinic schedules often clash with work and schooling hours, creating a barrier to access.
Keeper of Men, in collaboration with the Masculinity Institute, the International Network of Religious Leaders, and UNAIDS Kenya, is tackling these obstacles head-on. Community organizing forms the bedrock of their approach.
One men’s group, formed as part of a regional strategy developed in 2022 by UNAIDS, WHO, and UN Women, is tackling harmful masculinity norms. They read: “Tackling harmful masculinity also has a ripple effect; harmful gender norms affect everyone, and changing these norms creates a better environment for women and girls, and for men and boys,” explains Lycias Zembe, a UNAIDS advisor working in Geneva.
Returning to this dusty, rural town where men are expected to be strong and silent: “Men visiting a health facility or seeking an HIV test are considered weak.
But this narrative is changing, thanks to the tireless work of Keepers of Men like Onyango.
Recall, we mentioned the work sphere. Dr Onyango trips to this area. In addition, religious and cultural contrariwise. Don’t hold back the other crucial element: funding.
Seeking to measure success quickly, some funders prioritized programs focused on biomedical interventions.
”
Some men worry about confidentiality, concerned that if they access HIV services, their status will be revealed. Other men may have negative beliefs towards HIV testing and treatment.
Laughter, however, can be heard from a diverse group of men gathered outside a local pub. Inside, a peer support group is underway, urging men to dynamite the silence. Onyango, along with volunteers and local representatives, has created safe spaces where men can discuss their health concerns without judgment. “This initiative doesn’t just benefit individuals but communities.”
Onyango, who started working in HIV prevention in 1999, has seen firsthand the devastating effects of stigma. In the 1990s, during the early days of the HIV epidemic, many men receiving positive diagnoses would resign from their jobs, leave their homes, sell their property, and wait to die. “I started working in HIV prevention in 1999. I saw firsthand the devastating effects of
aujourd’hui, through the powerful activism and advocacy of groups like the Movement of Men Against HIV in Kenya (MMAHK), the situation is drastically
changing. An expanding ailment that started in the 1990s has blossomed into a movement for change. With philanthropies transmitting funds,
Breaking Down Stigma, Building Strength
Through these initiatives, men are gaining access to essential health services, and the collective discourse is shifting. At 63, Onyango is showing no signs of stopping.
There’s a
HIV treatment has become widely accessible in Kenya. Yet cultural and social barriers remain. Days and impacting Kilifi
“These services are crucial for everyone,” emphasizes Onyango. “Both for men,
In a bustling open heart, he weaves together his work in Kilifi County and the region-filled
“We
An MCAHK community testing program. .
We’re going to keep addressing self-stigma and figure out what we need.”
Authorities’ money
“My commitment is driven by seeing the difference these programs make,” says Onayanging.
To measure success, .
What specific strategies does Keeper of Men use to ensure the sustainability of their HIV service provision in Kilifi County?
## Breaking Down Barriers: A Conversation with Michael Onyango
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re diving deep into a crucial topic: HIV service access for men in Kenya. Joining us is Michael Onyango, the driving force behind Keeper of Men, an organization making waves in Kilifi County. Michael, welcome.
**Michael Onyango:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Kilifi County is known for its beauty, but your work tackles a serious issue. Can you paint a picture of the challenges men face in accessing HIV services there?
**Michael Onyango:** Absolutely. We see a significant disparity – only 65% of HIV-positive men and boys in Kenya are on ART, compared to 80% of women and girls. Globally, this pattern persists. [1] Kilifi faces unique hurdles. Clinic hours often clash with work or school, traditional beliefs can stigmatize
men seeking help, and unfortunately, some men fear their status will be revealed, impacting confidentiality.
**Host:** You mentioned traditional beliefs. Can you elaborate on how Keeper of Men addresses harmful masculinity norms?
**Michael Onyango:** We work closely with men’s groups, challenging stereotypes like “men should be strong and silent” and reframing seeking help as a sign of strength. A regional strategy, supported by UNAIDS, WHO, and UN Women, is helping us tackle these norms head-on. We’re seeing positive shifts in attitudes, thanks to these dialogues. [Text provided]
**Host:** That’s inspiring. Keeper of Men collaborates with various organizations. Can you speak to the importance of these partnerships?
**Michael Onyango:** Absolutely. Partners like the Masculinity Institute, the International Network of Religious Leaders, and UNAIDS Kenya provide invaluable support.
They bring expertise, resources, and a broader perspective to the table, enabling us to reach more men and provide comprehensive care.
**Host:** Funding is always a challenge for grassroots initiatives. How does Keeper of Men ensure sustainability?
**Michael Onyango:** It’s a constant challenge. We need long-term funding that empowers community-led solutions. Sadly, some funders prioritize quick wins, often focusing solely on biomedical interventions. We advocate for holistic approaches that address social and cultural barriers alongside medical needs.
**Host:**
What message would you like to send to men struggling with HIV access in Kilifi and beyond?
**Michael Onyango:** You are not alone. There are people and resources here to support you. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Kiper of Men is here to walk alongside you on
this journey toward health and well-being.
**Host:** Michael Onyango, thank you for sharing your incredible work.
