Live From KICC Amphitheater

Today I will try real time blogging  by writing about Kenya AIDS Strategic Framework  launch as it happens. Sure this is  what microblogging sites like twitter are for but still  it does not hurt to try something  new. The KASF  for the first  time acknowledges what many activists have been saying for a long time with regards to discrimination,  stigma and criminalization. In fact  one of the most unique things about this KASF  is the chapter on human rights. It also says the government should decriminalise activities  related to key populations - still playing  safe with ambiguous language. One cannot  help but wonder where we would be as a country if we had done that in 2005 - the first  time  I recall us urging for such action.

As I look now the NACC director speaking  to archbishop  Nzimbi I cannot help but wonder on the role of the church in the spread of HIV in this country. True the church plays an important part  in provision of ARMS thanks to the mission  hospitals but can they play a better role in prevention of new infections?  Can they play a better role in eliminating HIV related stigma and discrimination? You be the judge.

Another observation about this launch is the exclusion of people living with disabilities. True the KICC amphitheater  is not designed for people with special mobility needs - which speaks volumes of how our government treats minorities. So may be sexual minorities should just accept their exclusion and colonial inspired criminalization - and move on.

Listening  to Saddique  Shaban  formerly of KTN  affirms those who are using whatever platforms they have to make a change. He asks,  did I loose an opportunity to use the media platform to challenge stigma and discrimination? ... I know many people with capacity  to make a difference and change but for whatever reason opt not to do it.  Saddique longs for the platform he had to make a difference and I hope given his new found courage he can get it back. What about you?  Will you look back at the privileged position/resources you once had and regret that you never used it?