NAIROBI, Kenya – As part of World AIDS Day, this country’s savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOs), or credit unions, are ramping up their efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and to assist the survivors of those who die from the disease.
Approximately 22 million with HIV/AIDS live in sub-Saharan African countries, including Kenya. The World Council reported its offices in the Kisumu region are pitching in this year to assist SACCOs with reaching out on World AIDS Day to help members better cope with the realities of the deadly disease.
In the community of Kericho, Ndege Chai SACCO will participate in a government-organized World AIDS Day event to more actively address HIV/AIDS' impact in the community. The SACCO has established a scholarship fund for secondary school-age AIDS orphans and has mobilized orphan groups to help improve their economic status. In Wagi, CENT SACCO is participating in an event organized by the Transformative Agents of Change Initiatives (TACI), which promotes HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment and increases awareness among youth through sporting events and community theater. This year's event will include presentations by healthcare providers, as well as a variety of sporting activities and contests. The local WOCCU office has donated 20 assorted sports balls to the effort.
During the World Council’s World CU Conference earlier this year, representatives of Kenya’s CUs shared with Credit Union Journal how they often must assist the children of those who have died from HIV/AIDS with savings and other financial issues.
