Kenya AIDS Strategic Framework (KASF) 2014/15 – 2018/19 embraces a multi-sectoral approach to HIV programming and emphasizes the importance of participation and accountability in every sector in the HIV response. This calls upon communities to respond to HIV within their local context; and all stakeholders to be aligned and be held accountable for results in the Strategic Framework. HIV and AIDS impacts on socio-economic development of any country and, all sectors including the faith sector must be engaged effectively in the HIV response of the country.
Religious leaders across the cultural divide and affiliations have generally perceived and approached HIV and AIDS as a sexual and moral issue leading to increased Stigma, Shame, Denial, Discrimination, Inaction and Mis-Action (SSDDIM) from and within the Faith Sector. Consequently, efforts to promote and scale up HIV testing, counselling, prevention and treatment have been systematically frustrated in the Faith Sector. This necessitated the development of The National Action Plan, now referred to as The Faith Sector Action Plan (FSAP), which brings into perspective the reality of HIV issues in the Faith Sector and prioritizes actionable areas of focus.
This document was greatly informed by recommendations drawn from the report of the aforementioned 2011 National Religious Leaders Convention on HIV Prevention which adopted the theme: Doing More, and Doing Better: Towards Zero New Infections. In addition, analysis of the recommendations emanating from both regional and country policy frameworks, consultative processes and declarations were taken into account in the formulation of the actions stated herein. This Faith Sector Action Plan is therefore a practical tool for the designing of actions aimed at increasing multi-sectoral and multi-faith involvement.