Education is the key to preventing HIV transmission. Here a village served by the Bishop Asili Hospital in Luwero, Uganda holds an AIDS education today. The people in yellow are part of the “Post Test Club” -- a group of individuals who have been HIV tested. Whether they are positive or negative for HIV, they are part of the club, demonstrating to the rest of the community that they are willing to “come out” about their HIV status and others will not ostracize them. Stigmatization of HIV+ people has been a big disincentive to being tested. Together with the Bishop Asili Hospital, many villages are organizing the leaders to educate the people. Yet there is a tremendous lack of resources in terms of educational materials, training material, transportation and human resources. The Just Like My Child Foundation is working with the hospital to create a “replicable” education model utilizing technology solutions, but an effective solution requires financial resources we don't hav
The whole village turns out for this event the day before World AIDS day.
Sister Ernestine Akulu, the founder of the Bishop Asili Hospital is one of the featured speakers.
This is a great opportunity for the children to learn as well.
The women in yellow are nurses. A great way for them to bond and earn trust with the villagers is through taking part in their cultural celebrations, dance and music.
A young participant.
Having this kind of turn out for an educational event in the village is definitely a good sign.
The chalk board shows part of what the day's teachings were about -- how HIV attacks the human immune system and destroys white blood cells.
One of the nurses showing the drummers that she knows how to dance!
One of the health coordinators sharing essential information.
John Baptiste is a dynamic HIV/AIDS counselor. His enthusiasm could help stem the spread of HIV in the districts served by the Bishop Asili Hospital if he was able to “replicate” himself by producing audio and video materials that could be disseminated with DVDs and CDs. Right now they have no way of achieving this, but the Just Like My Child Foundation is raising funds to provide a full educational initiative for the villages served by the hospital.
Sister Ernestine Akulu, founder of Bishop Asili Hospital, observes the presentations.
This man, Salonga, is surviving AIDS because he was able to get his CD-4 count tested and began receiving anti-retroviral drugs as a result of his low white blood cell count. He has now committed himself to using himself as an example and teaching others throughout the communities how to avoid HIV, how to avoid spreading the virus, and how to “come out” if they are sick. He is an invaluable resource to the Bishop Asili Hospital in its educational initiatives. However, again, it would be so much easier to proliferate his message if educational video, audio and workbooks featuring his message could be disseminated. There is only one of him and hundreds of villages that need resources.
Literally, Salonga, has come back to life. With a CD4 count of just 33, he was days away from death. Now with ARV treatment, his count is in the 500s.
On World AIDS day, dozens of HIV+ clients came to the hospital to learn about self-care, disease transmission, caring for other with HIV and more. The community outreach program at the Bishop Asili Hospital is making huge strides in educating the villages.
The hospital has seen a major shift since AIDS education was introduced.
