The West Uyoma Free Medical Camp held from 28th to 30th August 2025 at Kamaringa Beach, West Uyoma, Siaya County, Kenya, benefited more than 3000 people made up of the youth, parents, local fishermen and the elderly. African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) as a key partner used the camp to raise awareness on HIV and AIDS, promote prevention on Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and foster holistic development among young people. Through free medical services, testing, counseling, and the AJAN HIV and AIDS Prevention Programme for the Youth (AHAPPY), a value-based education, the camp created a safe space where the community could openly discuss health challenges and commit to building a stronger, healthier future together.

From the very first day, the shoreline of Lake Victoria at Kamaringa Beach buzzed with life as families, youths, and health professionals gathered under large tents for consultations, testing, and counseling. The opening sessions set a hopeful tone, with AJAN facilitators stressing the importance of regular health checkups and encouraging young people to know their HIV status. They reminded the community that HIV is no longer a death sentence; with proper treatment and support, people living with the virus can lead long and fulfilling lives. Beyond medical care, the conversations called on parents to embrace their role as guides and role models, while challenging the youth to take responsibility for their choices by practicing safe behaviors and rejecting stigma. The message was clear: prevention is powerful, but knowledge and strong values remain the most effective defense.

The second day deepened the camp’s purpose. While residents continued to receive medical services ranging from general checkups to specialized testing, the outreach went further to create a platform for dialogue. Young people, many of whom live along the Lake Victoria shores where drug and substance abuse have become pressing concerns, engaged in open conversations about lifestyle choices, peer pressure, and the risks associated with unprotected sex. These discussions were not lectures but interactive moments where community members asked questions, shared experiences, and challenged one another to think differently about health and responsibility. The camp focused on building well-rounded young people by equipping them with the skills and values needed to shape a just and hopeful future.

By the third and final day, the camp had evolved into more than just a medical intervention, it had become a community movement. Hundreds of people had accessed free consultations, medication, and testing, but what stood out was the sense of collective renewal. The youth were at the heart of the closing sessions, reflecting on how their role as the next generation extends beyond personal health to shaping the values and future of West Uyoma. Facilitators urged them to see themselves as leaders and agents of transformation, capable of breaking cycles of stigma, poverty, and poor health choices. The camp concluded with moments of thanksgiving and prayer, symbolizing that true healing is holistic, embracing the body, mind, and spirit.

Giving his feedback on the free medical camp, the Assistant Chief of Kagwa Sub-location, Mr. Ruben Okoth, said:

“I was here on the first day of the medical camp, where I flagged off the event and welcomed the guests and the community at large to be part of the program. I am glad that the camp met its target of reaching out to the community, and I would like to thank all the organizations and personnel who were here to offer their services to our people in this small village of Kagwa.

The AHAPPY program being offered to our youth is commendable. Its holistic approach focuses on helping young people identify the problems within our community and come up with solutions. Being a community that borders the vast water body of Lake Victoria, we need to empower our youth with skills, especially because of the high rate of school dropouts. We must also sensitize them on the importance of education. In addition, we need to encourage our young people to change their mindset and use their talents, together with the available local resources, to establish entrepreneurial ventures for self-employment. We appreciate this kind of programs and we welcome this and more initiatives that can benefit our youths in Kagwa.”

Here’s what some of the young people had to say about their experiences at the free medical camp:

Richard Ouma, a youth from Kamaringa Beach said,

“This free medical camp was great, and the personnel and doctors we met were very friendly. What stood out most is that the services were offered free of charge, yet we were given quality care and the chance to ask questions about our health. From the camp, I have gained valuable knowledge on STIs and how we, as young people, can protect ourselves.

To my fellow youth, I encourage you to take advantage of such opportunities by attending medical camps and getting tested so that you know your health status. Living well requires making responsible choices such as practicing abstinence. If we are careful, we can remain on the safer side of life. I urge young people to have the courage to go for testing and counseling.”

Antony said,

“This free medical camp has come at the right time, especially when our community members are facing many challenges, particularly medical ones. When it comes to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), you find that most people who are infected do not even know their status. By attending such camps, they can be tested and begin planning their lives better.

My encouragement to the youth—especially those working along the beach—is to take advantage of these opportunities to know your status. The moment you come here, you are able to get tested and, if needed, start medication immediately.”

As the sun set on the shores of Lake Victoria, there was a palpable sense that we had left a sense of hope—not just in healthcare, but in community consciousness. The camp had sown seeds of awareness and solidarity that will continue to grow long after the tents are gone. For AJAN, this was more than a medical outreach; it was a living witness to the Jesuit commitment to the second and fourth Universal Apostolic Preferences: walking with the excluded—the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized—in the pursuit of reconciliation and justice, and journeying with the youth in creating a hope-filled future.

AJAN deeply appreciates the organizers of the West Uyoma Free Medical Camp, the partners, dedicated medical professionals, volunteers, and community leaders who made the initiative a success. We are especially grateful to the local community for their warm welcome and openness in embracing the services offered. Special thanks go to the AJAN team who offered their services at the camp led by Ms. Pascalia Sergon, AJAN Development Officer, Ms. Mary Wanjugu, counselor, Mr. Nicholas Okwach, Assistant Coordinator and Counselor, Jesuit Centre for Safeguarding in Africa (JCSA) and Mr. Dennis Owuoche, AJAN Communications Officer, for their presence and commitment, which reflected our mission of holistic care and accompaniment. Together, we witnessed the power of collaboration in bringing hope and better health care to the community.

By, Mr. Dennis Owuoche,

AJAN Communications Officer.