By Erick Otieno
In celebration of World Condom Day, the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) launched the G-Jali Microsite at Rongo University.
This innovative new digital platform aims to raise awareness about sexual health, condom use, and HIV prevention, specifically targeting students and young people across Kenya.
The event, held on the eve of World Condom Day, featured a vibrant program with educational workshops, live performances, and speeches from public health experts.
The launch of the G-Jali Microsite marked a significant step in leveraging digital tools to spread sexual health awareness and make critical information accessible to a wider audience.
Dr. Caroline Kinoti, Deputy Director of Health Promotion and Capacity Development at NSDCC, highlighted the role of the microsite in broadening outreach.
“The G-Jali Microsite is designed to engage young people through an easily accessible platform, where they can find important information on safe sex practices and reproductive health.
By combining peer-led activities and social media campaigns, we hope to empower students to make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health,” Dr. Kinoti said.
The campaign also gained support from Ms Catherine Menganyi, the MIGORI COUNTY GBV Coordinator, who spoke about the significance of sexual health education in reducing gender-based violence (GBV) and addressing the triple threat of HIV, unintended pregnancies, and GBV.
“The G-Jali Microsite is a powerful tool for young people, helping them reduce the risk of GBV and promoting healthier sexual behaviours,” Ms Menganyi remarked.
Students, including Nelly Kithinji and Victor Apicha, expressed their enthusiasm for the platform.
“The G-Jali platform provides an interactive and modern approach to reproductive health. It’s exactly what we need to reduce the stigma around safe sex and create an open dialogue among students,” said Kithinji, a student leader.
Apicha added, “This platform empowers students to address health issues that directly impact us, providing a space for us to make informed decisions and take action.”
The launch also introduced Rongo University’s Peer Educator Program, which will train students to lead sexual health awareness initiatives on campus, ensuring that discussions around sexual health continue year-round.
Dr. Samuel Otieno, an expert in HIV prevention, stressed the importance of initiatives like the G-Jali Microsite in bridging gaps in sexual health education.
“Making sexual health information easily accessible, especially in university settings, ensures that students are equipped to protect themselves and make informed decisions,” Dr. Otieno said.
In the coming weeks, the G-Jali Microsite will continue to raise awareness through social media campaigns, community outreach efforts, and the ongoing distribution of condoms across campus.
Rongo University is collaborating with local health organizations to extend the campaign’s reach and provide students with the tools and knowledge they need to stay healthy.
The G-Jali Microsite represents a significant step forward in the efforts of the NSDCC to create a healthier, more informed generation of young people and push the boundaries of sexual health education across Kenya.
