Nyaweri (Nyanza Western Rift Valley) Deaf VCT Centre

The office exists since 2004, founded by Dr. Peter Oracha Adoyo from Maseno University. Its main office is Liverpool VCT Care and Treatment under which Nyaweri is working. Right now six people are running the office, five are deaf and one is hearing, who are trained on counseling and testing. The main reason of the formation of this office is to help educate hearing impaired people on HIV/AIDS, so that they are able to make informed decisions and carry out testing. Deaf people have to face many challenges when it comes to HIV/AIDS.
Myths and prejudices exist about the deaf and in combination with HIV/AIDS it is even harder for them to lead a normal life. Another big problem is the lack of information and awareness on HIV/AIDS especially for those who are living in the rural areas. Language barriers among the education level are a big challenge and it is really hard for them to acquire appropriate information about HIV/AIDS. Poor access to VCT services, Stigma and discrimination are three other challenges for a deaf person when he or she has been tested positive.
After the counseling and the result, it is important to prepare for the future and to create a surrounding atmosphere where he or she can feel understood, accepted and comfortable.
Another part of the VCT office is the outreach program. Employees are going out into the fields closer to the people who might not have time and the opportunity to get access to the VCT, and because of transport problems, and also lack of knowledge.
This is one option to provide the VCT service to people in rural areas.
Also workshops are offered for many different topics, e.g. some of them focus on the right of women and the problems of gender inequality. The workshops are organized by different associations like Handicap International, Kenya National Association of the Deaf etc.
When it comes to HIV/AIDS the employees of Nyaweri are hoping and wishing that this place will always play a big role in terms of improvement of knowledge and knowing of the HIV/AIDS status to reduce more infections among themselves and development for this special group which the hearing does not give much attention. They want to reach as many deaf as possible to provide awareness and information about HIV/AIDS and other health related issues.
A lot of things have changed over the last years. The workers at Nyaweri hope it will continue this way and they are always trying to extend this important kind of work.