SAVE

INERELA+ Kenya responds to HIV through a comprehensive approach known as „SAVE‟ that embraces other underlying socioeconomic and structural issues that continue to fuel the spread of HIV. These include SRH, Gender, human rights and Maternal and Child Health (MCH) issues.

S Safer Practices covers all the different modes of HIV transmission; for example S Refers to safer practices covering all the different modes of HIV transmission including; Use of condoms, being faithful to one partner, practicing sexual abstinence; Use of sterile injecting equipment and ensuring that all blood transfusions are tested for HIV; Prevention of parent-to child transmission (PPTCT); Safer circumcision; Pre- and Post- Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP & PEP); Use of standard hygiene precautions, such as gloves and clean needles for all patients; Adherence to treatment.

A Refers to access to quality treatment –not just ART, but treatment for HIV related infections and provision of good nutrition (particularly to help adherence to ART) and clean water. It also refers to the need for viral load monitoring, quality of services and retention to care through psychosocial support.

V Refers to HIV related voluntary counseling and testing. It speaks of the need to test regularly, and for the testing to be confidential. If you know you are positive, you can protect yourself and others, and take steps to live a healthy, productive and positive life. It also emphasizes retesting for Most at risk populations including discordant couples and pregnant women.

E Refers to empowerment through education and advocacy. Stigma, Shame, Denial, Discrimination, Inaction and Mis- action (SSDDIM) associated with HIV remains a massive challenge to people’s uptake of services associated with HIV and also to people living with HIV being able to live productive and healthy lives within their communities and countries. That is why empowerment remains a vital component of all work on HIV. People need accurate information about HIV to make informed decisions and protect themselves, their partners and children from HIV. Empowerment also challenges the stigma and discrimination that can make the lives of people with HIV so difficult.