World AIDS Day is a day to demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS and to remember and remind others of their support and commitment.  This year’s world AIDS day represents a critical milestone in local and International Governments and NGOs‘responses towards fighting the on-going global HIV epidemic. As the World unite to mark the World AIDS Day, Mathare slum in Kenya was not left behind as local community members marked the day in style. School children, youth, sportsmen and local leaders among other invited groups graced the occasion.

The event kicked off with a procession around Mathare slum villages where invited groups, community based organizations and Non -government organization converge at one point and proceeded with the procession, singing traditional songs and dancing to the sweet tunes along the way. This was followed by series of activities at the main site where the event took place. Invited guests and members of community were tickled to laughter by skits and drama performances from different groups with HIV and AIDS messages while the most motivating and attractive activity was the seven aside football match where team players blended with people living with HIV and played an entertaining game together, reflecting on the journey that PLWH have gone through in relation to stigmatization.

During the event, different leaders gave inspiring speeches; highlighting challenges and achievements that community based organizations, NGOs and community members at large have faced throughout the journey. The key underlying challenge in the spirited fight against HIV and AIDS was low enrolment of infected persons for antiretroviral drugs.

The event was organized by community based organizations and NGOs that are working in the field of HIV and AIDS around Mathare slum. This year’s World AIDS Day theme is universal access and human rights.