December 1st:  

World AIDS DAY 



Each year, December 1st is celebrated throughout this planet as World AIDS Day. Today we come together to raise awareness, commemorate our friends who have passed on, and celebrate the many victories in the fight to turn the tide against HIV/AIDS. This year is about Getting to Zero.

In honor of WAD2011 help support EK Cyber-VCT Pilot.


GET THE FACTS:
 
  • 30% of population is HIV-infected. Suba District has one of the highest HIV rates anywhere in the world.
  • 1 of 3 households takes in an orphan because of HIV. Households report caring for up to 7 additional children.
  • STIGMA. Fear of being noticed at HIV-clinic, shame from family, friends & community, a curse bestowed upon one's family. EK's Cyber-VCT DECREASES stigma associated with entering an HIV testing center.
  • 1,265 Members have been HIV tested, counseled and enrolled into EK's "Post-test Club" since the opening in June 2010.
  • EK's Cyber-VCT is the fastest growing VCT center anywhere in Suba District.  
  • Only internet access point for 20,000 isolated island residents. 

EK'S CYBER-VCT:

Activating solar-powered Internet access to incentivize HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT).

Free & unlimited access to EK's Cyber Lab and "Post-test Club" by simply knowing one's own HIV status every 6 months.







EK's Cyber & "Post-test Club" includes access to:

- 17 low power PCs
- Unlimited Internet
- Free computer trainings
- International & National literature, newspapers, & magazines
- Discounted services within EK Network


2012 GOAL: Connect 20,000 Mfangano residents to high-speed broadband Internet

$500 Purchases 1 ultra-energy efficient computer
$250 Provides broadband Internet connection for 20,000 rural island residents for 1 month
$100 Creates an Internet-based course on practical organic agriculture, serving 25 people
$50 Provides 1 month transport for followup work by 2 Community Health Workers