Busia County continues to face growing concern around the triple threat of new HIV infections, teenage pregnancies and gender-based violence, including defilement, particularly among children and young people.
These challenges are closely interconnected and can have far-reaching consequences for learners, including disruption of education, poor health outcomes, exposure to violence and exploitation and limited opportunities for the future. Addressing them therefore requires coordinated prevention efforts that reach children before they become vulnerable to these risks.
As a member of the Busia County Multi-Sectoral Coordination Committee (SCMCC), operating in line with the guidelines of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO is contributing to efforts aimed at strengthening prevention and awareness among school-going children.
Taking prevention messages to schools
As part of this effort, Baridi Kwa Baridi, together with other members of the SCMCC, recently conducted sensitization sessions at Budokomi Senior School and Mundika Primary and Junior Girls School in Bukhayo West Ward.
The sessions provided an opportunity to engage learners on the risks associated with the triple threat and the importance of making informed and protective choices. The discussions also encouraged learners to understand their rights, identify situations that may put them at risk, speak up about abuse and seek support from trusted adults and relevant protection services.
School-based engagement is particularly important because schools provide a strategic platform for reaching children and adolescents with age-appropriate information while strengthening their ability to recognise and respond to risks.
A countywide effort
The recent school visits mark the beginning of a broader sensitisation initiative. The SCMCC and its partners are looking to expand these engagements to schools across Busia County, particularly as learners approach the long school holidays.
The holiday period presents an important opportunity for intensified prevention and protection messaging. Children may spend more time outside the structured school environment and can become exposed to different social and economic pressures. Strengthening their knowledge, protective networks and access to support is therefore an important part of prevention.
Through continued collaboration between government agencies, civil society organisations, schools, communities and other stakeholders, the initiative seeks to move beyond awareness towards tangible outcomes.
The long-term goal is to contribute to a reduction in new HIV infections, teenage pregnancies and cases of gender-based violence and defilement among children and adolescents in Busia County.
For Baridi Kwa Baridi, this work reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting safer communities where children can grow, learn and realise their potential free from violence, exploitation and preventable health risks.
The journey has begun. By taking prevention to where children are, strengthening knowledge and encouraging communities to act, we can collectively build a safer and healthier future for the children of Busia County.
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