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Yale University

Publication Date

Spring 2006

Program Name

Kenya: Development, Health, and Society

Abstract

Three of the major societal issues facing Kenya are poverty, gender inequalities, and HIV/AIDS, each of which acts as a catalyst for the others. In the last twenty years, microfinance has been used as an intervention method combating poverty and women’s disempowerment. As such, this study examines the effectiveness of using microfinance as an HIV/AIDS intervention method in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, Kenya. The research is primarily based upon interviews with Kibera residents and members of microfinance organizations. The findings indicate that most Kibera residents believe microfinance is the best method of reducing the spread of AIDS, especially when it is focused on female sex workers. However, there are also limitations and pitfalls of microfinance that need to be addressed if it is to be truly effective.

Disciplines

Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | Public Health

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