By Isaiah Esipisu

During her three day visit in the country, Yvonne Chakachaka told Kenyans that she is committed to support the fight against HIV, Malaria and Diarrhea in Kenya, thus she will become a regular visitor in a country, which she referred to as her second home.

“I thank God that Madam Ida Odinga has joined us in this war against killer diseases. However, we need more political goodwill in order to emerge as victors,” said the South African musician during a ceremony to open a Comprehensive Care Centre (CCC) in Lurambi division, in Western Kenya.

The CCC, which will as well works as a health centre taking care of other diseases withinin the community was put up by Vestergaard Fransen Ltd. after the company spearheaded the biggest HIV testing drive ever to be seen in Africa.

The test was incentive based, thus each individual tested received a mosquito-net to help in fight against malaria, a water filter that kills germs in drinking water thus fighting diarrhea, and 60 male condoms for HIV prevention.

“The Lurambi drive was a pilot study. And so far, it has proven that the method is effective. And now, if we manage to raise the Sh. 3.55 billion needed, we will include nutrition, which will involve encouraging people to feed on traditional vegetables for better health,” said Ida Odinga.

The Lurambi drive, which saw the musician Yvonne Chakachaka and the Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi take their HIV test succeeded with 52,000 people from Lurambi division alone going for HIV test just in seven days.

In order to succeed in the expanded program, Yvonne Chakachaka promised to be a very regular visitor in Kenya in order to boost awareness, and support the fundraising effort.

Yvonne is the UNICEF goodwill ambassador against malaria.