New project launched for children of young mothers in Uganda

Last May, Aidsfonds launched the Bloom project, that aims to create a healthy future for children of young mothers (10-24 years) living with HIV in Uganda.

Co-creation workshop

During a two-days co-creation workshop held in Kampala, Uganda, partner organisations Community Health Alliance Uganda, Uganda Young Positives and Joy Initiative Uganda met each other and discussed collaborations in implementing the Bloom project. All partners presented their mission and previous experience with paediatric HIV, followed by their proposed workplan to reach the targets of the Bloom project. Based on that, they aligned workplans and successfully paved the way for the proposed activities and the contribution of the overall project outcomes. The workshop also hosted various stakeholders including members from the Ministry of Health, District health facilities and young mothers living with HIV.

This project is going to create safe spaces for young mothers where they can learn from each other, discuss ideas, receive medication without being stigmatised

– Susan Adongrwoth – young mother

About the Bloom project

The Bloom project was conceived to find, test, treat and retain children and their young mothers living with or exposed to HIV, with a particular focus on young mothers aged 10-18 years old. The project contributes to tackling the multiple gaps in the elimination of vertical transmission which accounts for up to 14% of all new HIV infections in Uganda. The three outcomes for the Bloom project are: the reduction of vertical transmission for children born to young mothers during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding/lactation period; improved treatment coverage, adherence, and retention in care for young mothers living with HIV; and lastly, improved treatment coverage and outcomes for children living with HIV who have a young mother.

I’m glad to participate in a project that supports young mothers living with HIV. Being a young mother, your physical, mental, financial status is not ready to be a parent. Coupling that with HIV is another challenge all together

Kuraish Mubiru (Uganda Young Positives) about the Bloom project from Aidsfonds on Vimeo.

Dr Linda Kisakye (Ministry of Health Uganda) about the Bloom project from Aidsfonds on Vimeo.

Young mothers form a big part of our population, they have the biggest burden of the problem. So for anything to do with ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030, focusing on young mothers and their children is very critical