Ben Odoyo is one of 206 peer educators working at Unilever’s tea plantation in Kenya’s Rift Valley. Articulate and well informed, he has a vital dual role: farming the crops and educating the wider community about HIV/AIDS through song, dance and conversation.

For me, this picture encapsulates all that is positive and strong about workers like this who continually fight for the good sexual health of their friends, families and co-workers.

His arms are open wide in warmth and welcome, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and taking a stance against stigma and discrimination. You feel he will stand firmly alongside those who are vulnerable and at risk, educating, helping, supporting and protecting them. Making them feel safe.

The energy, commitment and devotion of these peer educators – and the HIV-positive AIDS ambassadors who work alongside them – has given me renewed energy for the cause, and the project itself clearly demonstrates the vital role business has in helping to combat this global pandemic.

--Peter Roach, Vice President, Durex Network

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