TAPWAK: Programmes and Activities

TAPWAK’s programme focus is based on the strategic plan of the National AIDS Control Council. In its strategic plan for the years from 2005 to 2010, the National AIDS Control Council (NACC) recognizes three factors as impediments to progress towards mitigation of the impact of HIV & AIDS in Kenya. The factors are:

A Health sector whose facilities and capacity to cope are severely over stretched due to the increasing number of HIV & AIDS patients.

And the slow change of sexual behaviour, related to the cultural beliefs and practices that is further compounded by the high level of poverty among the majority of Kenyans.

TAPWAK’s programme focuses on advocacy, education, care and support. These areas embrace all these six roles as defined in the NACC Strategic Plan.

TAPWAK’s contribution has involved promotion of responsible behaviour among its members, conducting of activities that aim at the prevention of the spread of HIV & AIDS, and care and support of PLHIV. TAPWAK’s experience in this field makes it a front-runner in the race against HIV & AIDS.

Creating awareness on the rights of PLHIV so that they are not victimized, discriminated against, or ostracized by the wider society.
Increasing knowledge of HIV & AIDS through outreach activities to institutions such as educational institutions, business and religious establishments.
Supporting its members by providing emotional, spiritual and psychosocial support through trained and experienced counsellors. In addition, TAPWAK also solicits for funds to help provide basic needs to children orphaned by HIV & AIDS.
A drop in Centre where information is disseminated to the general public. Most of the clients are those worried or affected by HIV & AIDS in some ways. Video shows on HIV & AIDS can be viewed at the Centre at any time of the day. A small library is located at the Centre. Among its collections are the latest periodicals on HIV & AIDS literature drawn from all over the world. TAPWAK also hosts its puppetry, choir and drama groups at the Centre. These groups are open to any interested member of the public.
Group therapy sessions that aim at getting PLHIV to develop solutions to their health problems and needs. Every week, TAPWAK conducts a group therapy session at the centre. Therapy is important as it encourages and leads to living positively with HIV & AIDS.
Hospital visits, Home visits and Home based care involving visiting clients to administer Counselling. This practice keeps hope alive in the sick. Clients in the last stages of HIV & AIDS need consistent counselling. During hospital visits, the counsellors also ensure that clients are given appropriate medical attention by making friendship with the medics. TAPWAK also has a team of volunteer counsellors who visit the clients in their homes to extend counselling there. The kin also receive this service. During such visits emphasis is placed on matters related to health, hygiene and nutrition.
Training of TAPWAK members and volunteers who in turn are sent out to different institutions to offer counselling services.
Operating a movement known as Positive Women of TAPWAK (POWOTA). The movement aims at empowering its women members. Up to three quarters of the group members are PLHIV while the rest are relatives, friends, and well-wishers.
Providing home-based care to clients during their last stages of HIV & AIDS while at home is one of TAPWAK’s most important activities. During home care, the client’s family is encouraged to provide care and support. This helps promote ownership of responsibility by all those affected. In the short term this ensures proper care for the infected while creating a long-term initiative for sustained behavioural change leading to the prevention of HIV transmission.
Formation of HIV & AIDS Prevention Clubs in schools to promote information, and provide Counselling skills for HIV & AIDS.
Networking and collaborating with other organizations and groups having similar objectives. The organisation is a committed member of the National Network for Empowerment of People Living with HIV & AIDS in Kenya (NEPHAK), Kenya AIDS NGOs Consortium (KANCO) and the National Council of NGOs. The work necessitates constant and consistent collaboration and networking with other organizations and relevant government departments.