Dr. Yonette F. Thomas, a distinguished Board Member at LVCT Health and the founder and president of Urban Health 360, recently visited LVCT Health’s DREAMS Riabai site and Mukuru Slums Development Projects (MSDP) in Viwandani, Nairobi.

Accompanied by Dr. Lilian Otiso, Executive Director, LVCT Health, and Dr. Catherine Njigua, Programs Director, LVCT Health, Dr. Yonette was pleased to learn the impact of economic empowerment on people living with disabilities and DREAMS girls supported by the Arise-Ajibika Project and the DREAMS program.

As a Board Member, Dr. Thomas plays a pivotal role in shaping strategic initiatives to reduce HIV infections and enhance sexual and reproductive health services in Kenya. Her work integrates public health, urban planning, and social services to address the complex health needs of urban populations.

The DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe) initiative aims to empower adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 10-24 with the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices and remain HIV-free.

LVCT Health’s PEPFAR-supported DREAMS program has reached over 100,000 AGYW with HIV and violence prevention interventions.

During her visit, Dr. Thomas engaged with program beneficiaries, listened to their stories and successes, evaluated the implementation of educational, social, and health services, and provided valuable feedback on enhancing program effectiveness. She also shared insightful perspectives on urban health and sustainable development.

Dr. Thomas’s visit is a significant milestone for our initiatives. Her expertise and dedication to urban health will inspire our teams and beneficiaries, helping us refine our strategies for greater impact.