Presbyterian Church of East Africa
Nairobi, Kenya

The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) is a longstanding partner of Global Ministries and was established in 1891. Founded by Scottish missionaries, its headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya.

In Kenya, HIV/AIDS continues to be a subject of serious misconception, misunderstanding, ignorance, and fear. There is an urgent and ongoing need to present facts about HIV clearly and unambiguously to reduce the fear, stigma, and discrimination associated with the virus. More practical advice also is needed on how to minimize the risk of being infected, and how to care for affected and infected people. The PCEA saw the HIV/AIDS pandemic as its biggest challenge at a 1996 Presbytery symposium. Following the symposium, the PCEA HIV/AIDS control program was established, incorporating three departments to coordinate HIV/AIDS awareness activities within the church: the Communication Department, the Health Board, and the Board for Social Responsibilities. The program has created a Trainers of Trainers (TOT) course, and has used media to further HIV/AIDS awareness in the community. Based on the success of this program, the Board for Social Responsibility started radio programs in 2002 to complement the efforts of the TOT team and to reach more people with relevant information concerning the HIV/AIDS issue.

Throughout the world, radio continues to be one of the most popular mediums by which to transmit information and engage large numbers of people from all walks of society. Therefore, radio has a vital role to play in the fight against HIV/AIDS. PCEA proposes to continue with creative radio programs directed toward youth, children, women, and other people living with HIV/AIDS, responding to the more than 41 percent of people in Kenya that rely on radio for information.

For the past three years, PCEA had been broadcasting three programs targeting this population. However, due to a lack of funding, they are currently able to broadcast only one program called Jajaluka. Voted by the National AIDS Control Council as the best, most consistent HIV/AIDS media program in advocacy and information, Jajaluka touches on HIV/AIDS issues affecting youth, giving relevant information on sexual development and how to relate to parents. The program also provides information to youth on how to avoid contracting HIV and debunks myths and stigma surrounding those with the virus in the community. Each program contains a presenter, an expert on youth sexuality, and a person living with HIV/AIDS. Occasionally, a medical doctor is also present to discuss medical issues with the audience.

AIDS must be regarded as a community crisis, not simply a medical and individual problem, because it has the potential to undermine both the social and economic fabric of the community. PCEA recognizes this, and strives to provide accurate information in order to reduce the stigma, myths, and ignorance surrounding the virus. The radio program is in need of funding to increase its broadcasting frequency, and to help with research, administration, and technological needs.