Since the index case of AIDS in Kenya was recorded in 1984, HIV infection has spread very rapidly in the country and the magnitude and impact of HIV/AIDS is a major public health and development challenge.

To date it is estimated that MORE than 2.2 million Kenyans are infected with HIV and that over 1.5 million Kenyans have died of AIDS and AIDS related illnesses.

17-18% of urban dwellers in Kenya and 13% of rural Kenyans are HIV positive. Since 80% of Kenyans live in rural areas more HIV infected people live in rural Kenya. About 50%-70% of the medical ward beds are occupied by AIDS patients.

Due to the seriousness and magnitude of the HIV/AIDS problem, Kenya declared HIV/AIDS a national disaster in 1999 and set up a National AIDS Control Council under the Office of the President to provide a frame-work for multisectoral co-ordination. resource mobilisation and allocation towards combating HIV spread.

The National HIV/AIDS and STD Control Programme (NASCOP) 5-year strategic plan (1999-2004) has identified the following priority' areas of intervention:

• Advocacy and promotion of behaviour change

• Prevention of blood borne infection

• Reduction of STD prevalence

• Prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV

• Strengthening epidemiological and research activities

• Prevention of AIDS including care and support to the affected and infected

• Mitigation of socio-economic impact of AIDS.