Every day, an estimated 3,000 people lose their lives to AIDS-related illnesses, a devastating reminder that the epidemic continues to claim lives around the world. In Kenya, where 1.6 million people are currently living with HIV, the crisis remains one of the most severe globally—placing the nation fourth among countries most affected by HIV/AIDS. The epidemic is primarily driven by sexual transmission and touches every layer of society—children, young people, women, and men alike. By 2015, the toll of the disease had left 660,000 children orphaned, their futures uncertain and their communities burdened by loss. Yet amid this challenge, SOTENI’s AIDS Barefoot Doctors program stands as a powerful force for change, determined to break the multigenerational cycle of infection, poverty, and despair, and to make AIDS orphans a thing of the past.

SOTENI believes that it truly takes a village to not only raise a child but also to heal a community. This conviction shapes every aspect of its work. In 2018 alone, SOTENI reached more than 16,000 people living with HIV/AIDS through programs that provided education, access to clean drinking water, healthcare services, empowerment opportunities, orphan sponsorship, and small-scale farming initiatives. Each village served by SOTENI benefits from a community-driven approach that recognizes and responds to local needs. Clean water initiatives, for example, do more than prevent illness—they strengthen the immune system and improve the body’s ability to absorb and respond to life-saving medication. Through these holistic efforts, SOTENI helps individuals regain health, stability, and dignity while fostering resilience in their communities.

At the heart of SOTENI’s mission is the AIDS Barefoot Doctors program, an innovative and compassionate initiative that equips community health workers with the training and tools needed to reach families in remote villages. These local heroes not only provide basic medical care and HIV education but also serve as trusted advocates who help break down stigma and fear. Their work empowers individuals to make informed health decisions and strengthens communities from within. Through this grassroots model, SOTENI has empowered tens of thousands of people affected by HIV/AIDS to interrupt the cycle of infection and poverty, transforming despair into hope and isolation into connection.

SOTENI’s impact extends far beyond Kenya’s borders. The organization’s commitment aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3—ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, including the aim to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. By sharing its community-based approach, SOTENI aspires to serve as a model of excellence and compassion for others working in vulnerable communities around the world. The vision is bold but deeply human: a future where every person, regardless of circumstance, can live free from the shadow of AIDS. SOTENI invites everyone—partners, supporters, and global citizens—to join in this vital mission to bring lasting change, one village and one life at a time.

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