Integrated AIDS Programme, Thika Integrated AIDS Programme (IAP) is a Faith based CBO and a project of Assumption Sisters of Nairobi. It has operated in Kamwangi division for the last six years. The project was started in 1991 by the Franciscan Sisters as AIDS Education Mang’u; conducting HIV and AIDS awareness in schools and health education in the villages. The project was handed over to the Assumption Sisters in 1994 and continued to operate within the same design up to 1998. Since 1999, the programme has adopted its main focus providing VCT, Home Based Care (HBC), Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) and Education for Life (EFL) services.

Thika District Strategic Plan 2005 - 2010 identifies major HIV and AIDS concerns as high incidence of STIs and HIV and AIDS, slow behavioral change and inadequate care and support for the infected and the affected. The increased number of HIV and AIDS cases within Kamwangi Division makes it necessary for IAP to focus efforts on prevention of HIV transmission and care of the infected through provision of VCT, Home Based Care OVC and EFL services. Over the last ten years, IAP has gained wide experience while providing services to its target groups and also in managing emerging situations in the course of its operation. 
IAP HBC activities entail provision of life support services at family level to people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. This programme proposes continuity of a holistic approach to care and support for PLWHA. VCT and counselling services for PLWHA, treatment of opportunistic infections, care and support through home visits, provision of nutritional supplementary food to the malnourished infected people and orphans and agricultural inputs to clients and guardians of orphans to boost food production will be provided. Income generating activities (IGAs) aimed at tackling poverty and social and economic impacts of HIV and AIDS in the community will be initiated and supported through the provision of credit for poultry keeping, livestock keeping, and cereal trade. A revolving fund for economic empowerment and linking groups to potential sources will be continued. Spiritual growth and pastoral care of PLWHA promotion of referrals at the community level will be encouraged. Beneficiaries will ultimately be supported to live positively leading to stigma reduction, improved standards of living and self-reliance. OVC support services are currently provided through HBC and EFL activities. Education for Life (EFL) activities constitute of AIDS awareness seminars, behavior change workshops for youth in and out of school, educational support to OVCs and conducting advocacy and sensitization seminars for school Parents and Teachers Associations and opinion leaders.  EFL aims to create a empowered and knowledgeable community about HIV and AIDS with ability to make informed choices about their lives.

The implementing team including nurses, counsellors and trained CHWs will deliver the service. CHWs include trainers, caregivers, guardians, teachers and peer animators who will continue to serve PLWHA and OVCs at the household level. Both teams will work towards influencing attitudes and practices of personnel in public health facilities, religious and community leaders for complementary services in order to reduce stigma. Through community outreaches, the mobile team will reach and deliver sensitization, mobilization and mobile VCT services to poor people and the general population. 

The project will build the capacity of staff, volunteers, and care givers to ensure efficiency and responsive actions towards the scourge.  IAP has already created a web of local partnerships with health institutions in area of coverage and other NGOs so as to build bridges between the different teams providing service. IAP proposes to enhance these relationships and also strengthen and explore linkages with community-based institutions such as churches, schools, self-help groups, neighborhood associations’ etc. for synergies and learning in service delivery.