Moses Eiton HIV song. Engatuny Lokwakel

Stigma was a significant road block to care and treatment when AMAPATHPlus started in Turkana in September 2019. with its huge land mass and tough terrain, it is unfeasible to engage in cost effective advocacy through traditional means such as public meetings and door to door campaigns. Music and local radio presented itself as the best way to reach nearly every corner of the county in an effective way and in the shortest time possible. This song by Moses Eiton, a celebrated gospel artist in Turkana started a viral anti stigma campaign in a special way. He launch the song in an end of year, all night music festival in Lodwar town 30th Dec 2019, which was preceded by a an awareness creating event for local pastors so that they can educate and influence change among their congregation.

Through direction and support by AMPATHPlus and MOH Turkana County he produced this song, Engatuny Lokwakel, likening HIV to a wounded lion or a toothless lion. The song was such a hit that it had continuous airplay for more than 3 months, and it estimated to have reached 500,000 or more Turkana population in Turkana County and neighbouring regions. "People were calling radio stations and asking for replay of the song, so much that radio broadcasters were surprised by the reception", said Moses Eiton. The artist was interviewed free on Local Radios Stations creating powerful advocacy for HIV care and treatment that was a game changer is subsequent activities of AMPATHPlus in Turkana County. Music does wonders when well targeted and well produced.