On November 26, 2010, ACTS traveled with the Behavior Change Communication Theater Group to Number Okana Market in Nyando District to perform plays raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, and to offer free Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). Nyando District is a rural area approximately 20 kilometers from the city of Kisumu, and many of the inhabitants do not get a chance to interact with staff from a VCT center on a convenient basis.
ACTS Theater Group put on three plays during the day. Two of the plays concerned the spread and effects of HIV/AIDS, especially with regards to those who practiced unprotected sex with multiple partners. One play also brought to light the influence Anti-Retroviral drugs (ARVs) can have in increasing an HIV positive individual’s quality of life and lifespan. The third play discussed the practice of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) as a way to reduce the spread of STIs, including HIV, and also focused on educating the public about sexual health and hygiene awareness in rural areas.
Number Okana Marketplace was a noteworthy event for us, because our audience not only included those who were passing by, but even the vendors left their merchandise and their stalls to come and listen to our message. Motorcyle taxi riders from the taxi stand nearby also left the stand to hear what we had to say. The audience was incredibly participatory, full of good questions for our staff. We were pleased to have so many viewers who wanted to learn and be tested!
During the day, approximately 30 individuals came to our VCT tent for testing and counselling. We were very happy to see so many people being proactive about their HIV status and health.
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| Our Behavior Change actors dialoguing about ARVs. |
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| Our actors having passionate discussion about VMMC. |
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| Our staff presenting a talk on sexual health and hygiene. We had a great audience at the marketplace! |
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