Abstract:
This report covers the events of a one day HIV&AIDs Campaign and wellness Clinic held
on Wednesday 8th June, 2016 at Embu University College. The Campaign aimed to sensitize
all members of staff and their families on HIV and AIDs prevention as well as healthy living.
The plenary session registered 146 participants comprising 140 EUC staff members and 6
facilitators, the Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) 69 participants, Body Mass Index
(BMI) Clinic 97 participants, Diabetes Check 100 participants and Hypertension Clinic 84
participants. The facilitators were trained counsellors and clinicians drawn from the Ministry
of Health - Embu Level 5 Hospital and TENRI Children’s’ Hospital. In the opening meeting
different speakers underpinned the importance of knowing one’s HIV/AIDS status by having
regular medical checkups. It was noted that whereas lifestyle diseases are not stigmatized,
they are potentially life threatening. Two facilitators presented two sessions where they
sensitized staff on HIV and AIDs treatment and prevention. The adherence to the prescribed
antiretroviral therapy (ART) was emphasized. Participants were encouraged to put the
knowledge they acquired into practice. After the opening meeting, all participants
convened for a health break and visited the clinics in shifts to avoid leaving the work stations
unattended. According to the clinicians, most of the tested parameters were within normal
range except for the high BMI that was observed among EUC staff members. High BMI
will eventually translate to higher medical bills for the individuals and ultimately the
organization. To address the high BMI, It is recommended that EUC puts in place a
comprehensive exercise and nutrition program for the staff.
