Dr. Chebitok Blessed Bennie

30/11/2025

https://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za/items/406e9e4f-be24-45b9-b406-9254596bd8bb

Nairobi has officially recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in Kenya and the most affected group is youth aged 15–34.

This headline shocked many, but unfortunately, it aligns with what I discovered in my PhD research on how young people construct HIV risk and how that shapes their testing behavior.

What I found was this:

• Young people know HIV is a major threat yet many don’t see themselves personally at risk.
• “Risk” is often blamed on others: unfaithful partners, strangers, or external situations.
• HIV testing is still associated with shame, stigma, or the idea that “people will think I did something wrong.”
• Many youth only test when there is a crisis after symptoms, after unprotected s*x, or after suspecting a partner.

When testing is avoided because it is tied to identity and stigma, infections continue silently.

People get diagnosed late.
And that contributes directly to the rise in AIDS-related deaths Kenya is now seeing.

If we want to change the trend, we must change the conversation.

We need to:
✔ Normalize HIV testing as routine health care
✔ Remove shame and judgment
✔ Create youth-friendly, confidential, stigma-free testing spaces
✔ Use messaging that speaks to how young people understand risk and identity not just biomedical facts

HIV prevention must go beyond awareness campaigns. It must address the social meanings of risk, fear, stigma, and identity.

Only then can Nairobi and Kenya bend the curve again.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1ADmw82H9C/

The dominant discourses related to HIV and AIDS in South Africa still construct HIV as a huge threat, and position s*xually active youth between the ages of 15-24 years as at risk of, and living with, HIV. While an effort to manage HIV infection through practising safer s*x is relevant to mitigate s...

01/10/2025

New HIV infections in Kenya: what the data reveals and what we can do with research

Recent national data shows that about 66-67% of new HIV infections in Kenya are among women and girls. Women, especially adolescent girls and young women (15-24), are getting infected earlier and in greater numbers than their male peers.

My PhD research (https://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za/items/406e9e4f-be24-45b9-b406-9254596bd8bb) with university students in South Africa showed that how HIV risk is talked about how youth position themselves, whether risk feels immediate, what stigma is attached to testing has a strong influence over whether people test regularly, or only in moments of crisis.

Here is how I believe those findings are relevant to Kenya’s current situation:

• The high infection rates among young women suggest that interventions need to address more than just knowledge. Social norms, peer discourses, stigma, identity, gender power dynamics play a big role.

• If many young women see risk as something that “happens to others” or feel shame around HIV testing, then they may delay testing. That reinforces undiagnosed transmission.

• Programs that make HIV testing more “normal,” less stigmatizing, more accessible in non-clinical settings (e.g. at youth centers, campuses, via social networks) may help.

• Interventions should be gender-sensitive: understand what constrains young women’s ability to test (social stigma, gender-based violence, unequal power in s*xual partnerships etc.)

Let’s use this data + insights from research to push for programs that don’t just inform, but engage with identity & culture to make testing and early diagnosis easier and less shameful.

The dominant discourses related to HIV and AIDS in South Africa still construct HIV as a huge threat, and position s*xually active youth between the ages of 15-24 years as at risk of, and living with, HIV. While an effort to manage HIV infection through practising safer s*x is relevant to mitigate s...

31/10/2024

I am honored to receive this invitation to join the Golden Key International Honour Society at the University of Nebraska! After earning my Honors, Master's, and PhD in South Africa, I was also invited to join the Golden Key South African chapter. This recognition is a testament to the rewards of hard work and dedication.

In South Africa, the Golden Key International Honour Society offered me so much—scholarships, opportunities, and countless experiences that shaped my journey. Having had this recognition on my CV is a huge boost when it comes to job searches and even further study opportunities. Just another reminder that perseverance opens doors, and every challenge is a step closer to success. Keep pushing, stay focused, and remember: hard work truly pays off!

Congratulations again on this recognition Dr. Chebbie, keep winning bazalwane 💖💓😘😍❤️💗.

26/06/2024

I found this insightful message at my friend's page and it is worth posting.

"Buy land in secret. Build the house in secret. Then do the house warming party with publicity.

Date in secret. Propose in private. Then marry in front of a crowd.

Let your haters only see your reality, never your vision, or you will have division.

In a game of chess, you don't speak. You just act. The only time that you ever speak when playing chess is to say checkmate.

Life is like chess. Don't broadcast your intentions. Act quietly. Keep achieving. Your achievements are your checkmate."

In short work hard in silence and let people know the results later coz jealous people ruin what is good bazalwane ☺️.