George Rupp in Kenya - Day 2

Photo: Joanne Offer/The IRC

Here’s an update from International Rescue Committee president George Rupp, who is visiting IRC programs in Kenya and Uganda. Read day about Day 1 here.

Day 2 - I next visited Kenya’s northwest, the Turkana region, to observe the IRC’s varying work with local communities.  The contrast with urban Nairobi is striking.  As we drive the one hour from Lodwar to Kalokol, the heat is intense and the terrain is almost like a moonscape – dry and barren, with large rocky outcrops. Kalokol is an area populated mainly by pastoralists who raise goats and camels.  Here, we stop at a health center where the IRC partners with the Africa Inland Church to promote awareness about HIV/AIDS and encourage individuals to seek testing. The IRC also has a mobile unit that conducts testing and delivers treatment to those living with the disease.  The IRC has been providing HIV/AIDS services here since 2004.  But staff members tell me that Kenya’s ongoing food crisis — recent estimates are that 10 million Kenyans do not have enough to eat —  is making their job much harder. “You can’t talk to people about HIV when they don’t have food,”  Peter Mutanda, HIV/AIDS coordinator told me.   He said, “If people are lining up to get their food baskets, they don’t have time to come to the health center. So we’re advocating for more food assistance on their behalf as well.” As we were visiting the Kalokol Heath Center a baby born a few kilometers away was rushed in to receive emergency antenatal care.  I was relieved to hear that the baby is doing well. We move from the health center to a graduation ceremony for 72 students from the IRC’s ‘Families Matter’ training course. They have been learning why it is important to talk to their children about sexuality and gaining tips on how to approach such sensitive subjects. One elderly male graduate said: “According to Turkana tradition, these things aren’t discussed openly. Children usually get embarrassed and surprised when their parents try to talk about them. Initially, I wasn’t open; I was not able to speak to my children about sex or HIV. Since I’ve started coming here, now I’m able to talk to them.” Despite the harsh midday sun, the ceremony was truly entertaining, with traditional Turkana dancers and local singers.  I was presented with a beautiful gift of a wooden staff and a colorful elder’s outfit.

Photo: Joanne Offer/The IRC