Francis Otieno

Francis Adongo Otieno, after being diagnosed with HIV in 2000, embarked on a journey to cope with his diagnosis and help others do the same. He began his volunteer work in 2001 with the Kibera Community Self Help group as a youth HIV referral person. His passion for community health led him to join grassroots interventions, such as a radio program focusing on HIV/AIDS awareness. Transitioning to formal roles, in 2002, he became an HIV/AIDS advocate at Population Services International-Kenya (PSI-Kenya), where he focused on educating children in schools, workplaces, marketplaces, and other settings. To enhance his skills, he obtained certificates in Psychological Counseling, HIV/AIDS Management, and HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing. Subsequently, he became an outreach worker at Partners in Prevention, engaging in HIV/AIDS education and clinical trial recruitment and retention. His dedication also saw him serve as an HCT counselor at Rotary Doctors Sweden and volunteer for Education for Life, a project by the Catholic Church Diocese of Eldoret, focusing on HIV/AIDS education. Currently, Francis is channeling his efforts into his project, Hope For Future for HIV/AIDS Prevention Strategies, aimed at fighting stigma, supporting HIV/AIDS orphaned girls with essentials like sanitary pads and school uniforms, though the project faces funding challenges.