Bungoma
Bungoma district, Western Province is divided into 42 geographical divisions and ACE Africa works in six of these rural areas: Bukembe, Bulondo, Kabuchai, Kabula, Mechimeru, Milo A and Milo B.
Bungoma District (Ref: Bungoma District Development Plan 2005)
| Total Population | 1.2 million |
| Estimated % living below poverty line | 56% |
| Official HIV/AIDS prevalence | 7% |
| Average doctor to patient ratio | 1:60,000 |
ACE Africa 7 areas of operation (Ref: ACE Bungoma Mapping Survey 2005)
| Total population | 300,000 |
| Estimated % PLWA | 35 - 40% |
| Estimated no adults living with AIDS | 42,000 |
| Estimated % of children orphaned | 15% |
| Estimated no OVC | 19,000 |
| Estimated % living below poverty line | 60% |
| Average Household size | 8 |
Some other facts about Bungoma:
- One of the highest incidences of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Kenya
- Remote rural areas lack access to basic health and welfare infrastructures
- High incidence of malnutrition, poverty and a lack of HIV/AIDS awareness
- Cultural traditions such as polygamy, witchcraft, wife and land inheritance commonplace
- Stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS is rife
- Lack of knowledge on the benefits of nutrition in the treatment of HIV infection
- Lack of knowledge on potential of food crops in the reduction of malnutrition and food poverty levels
- Main income from small scale farming in cash crops e.g. sugar cane and maize
- Every community member affected by HIV/AIDS in some way
