AIDS in Africa

Launched on April 19, 2006, AED-SATELLIFE’s electronic discussion group KEN-PED-HIV connects Kenyan healthcare providers with the vital information they need to treat an often overlooked population suffering from HIV/AIDS – children. The United Nations predicts that currently fewer than five per cent of HIV positive children will ever receive any form of treatment; KEN-PED-HIV is helping to ensure that healthcare workers in Kenya are equipped with the knowledge they need to reverse this tragedy.

Moderated by Kenyans expert in the field of pediatrics, this electronic discussion group enables students, graduates, and teachers in the Pediatric HIV Training Program, and Kenyan healthcare providers working with children living with HIV/AIDS, to share experiences and challenges or ask questions related to their work. Relevant news, training opportunities, conference summaries, clinical case discussions, and recent research findings will be exchanged via the forum to help healthcare workers increase their knowledge and provide the best possible care to their fragile young patients.

Responses to the launch of the forum was very positive. Dr. Davies Kimanga expressed the feelings of many: “A wonderful idea indeed! Looking forward to interesting discussions that will lead to improvement of care to HIV infected and exposed children.” Recent forum topics have included discussion on the merits of using certain formulations of antiretrovirals with small children.

Dr. Leela McCullough of AED-SATELLIFE emphasizes the need for a forum of this nature, “This is the only forum unique to the information needs of healthcare providers treating children with AIDS. After its expected success in Kenya, we hope to expand the forum to participants throughout East Africa.”