HIV testing is set to go door-to-door to reach two million people in rural areas of Western Province. The initiative by Global Business Coalition (GBC) partners and the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) was launched yesterday to combat HIV and Aids, tuberculosis and malaria.

The HIV infection rate in the province is about 15 per cent — twice the national average. It is also called Health at Home, Kenya Initiative. Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, the visiting GBC Vice President, Henry Chang said yesterday the impact initiative is a new way to engage the business community to support the local population, from where they get their work force and customers.

"This health intervention is connected to programmes for long-term sustainability for both personal and community health, including medical care, skills training, micro-credit, access to education and agricultural development," said Mr Chang. He added: "Public sector agencies cannot win the fight alone. They want and need the partnership of businesses. The fight can only be won with active and focused application of business infrastructure, skills, and brand power. So our role must go beyond providing financial support."