“My son, Kizza, dropped out of school a year and a half ago. He was sick and I spent sleepless nights nursing him. I didn’t know the cause of his sickness and expected him to die anytime.
A community health worker advised me to go for HIV testing. Kizza was HIV-positive. The health worker also encouraged me to join a family support group. I was so happy to meet other parents with children like Kizza. And he introduced me to a savings group. When it was my turn I bought a goat and some rabbits. They have had offspring, which really helps me financially. I feel much strengthened. Kizza is ten years old now. He is performing well at school. My son is still alive thanks to the community health worker.”
“If I had not been counselled by this community health worker my son would have died long ago.”
– Ms Mukansime
Invest in communities: health workers are the linking pin
Programmes are usually health facility-based which means they do not reach all children. Aidsfonds builds programmes on existing community structures. We train community health workers to be at the heart of the programmes. They link key figures like teachers, religious leaders, savings and support group members, and health facility staff. In this way, everyone works together to trace children with HIV and keep them in care. This approach connects to national-level strategies and partner initiatives, to ensure sustainability.
Communities trace children with HIV
Aidsfonds first introduced the Towards an AIDS Free Generation in Uganda (TAFU) programme in five districts of Uganda. Communities themselves trace HIV-exposed children. As a result, 1017 children and 1355 women accessed healthcare in the past two years, while 1008 people joined savings groups. The programme is now running in three more districts. In 2018, TAFU will be rolled-out to Zimbabwe and Kenia.
#Togetherwespeak
Friday November 16, activists and NGOs will be silent in solidarity with those who are silenced, as part of the ‘Together we speak’ campaign. In the run up Aidsfonds highlights stories of communities who fight for access to healthcare, including HIV treatment. This is the story of Kizza and his mum.
Strong Political Commitment to Global Health and SRHR
Strong Political Commitment to Global Health and SRHR
On 20 April, the multi‑party initiative (MPI) for global health and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) was officially re-launched. During the event at Nieuwspoort, Members of Parliament, civil society organisations and experts discussed the importance of strong Dutch leadership on these themes. New research was also presented, highlighting the significant impact of Dutch investments in global health and SRHR. The launch marked an inspiring and promising start to this collaborative initiative.
The EU Steps Up for Global Health in Uncertain Times
The EU Steps Up for Global Health in Uncertain Times
Today, the European Commission announced its intention to pledge a total of €700 million overall for the 8th Global Fund’s replenishment, subject to the outcome of the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework negotiations.
At a time when budgets are under strain, priorities are competing, and the world feels increasingly unstable, stepping up for people affected by HIV, TB and malaria around the world is very welcome and a clear sign of the EU’s ambition to lead on global health. This commitment will help save millions of lives and keep everyone safer, including in Europe. It will support Africa’s ability to lead on its own health priorities, and build resilience in places under severe stress. This includes countries affected by war, such as Ukraine, where the continuity of HIV and TB services is critical not only for emergency response, but also for long-term recovery. With many donors cutting back on aid, the Commission’s renewed support for the Global Fund sends a much-needed signal of leadership and solidarity.
