Welcome to Alive Medical Services

About

Alive Medical Services (AMS) is a not-for-profit non-governmental organization, established in 2007. AMS is a leader in the HIV/AIDS and SRHR Response in Uganda. AMS Medical Centre located in Namuwongo works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, saving lives and provides all services to clients free of charge. Annually, AMS provides comprehensive and differentiated high quality HIV/AIDS/SRHR prevention, care, treatment and support and other medical services to over 218,000 vulnerable clients in Kampala, Mukono, Wakiso and beyond with love and dignity.

Vision

A world in which those in need of medical care have access to state-of-the-art medical services provided with love and dignity

Core Values

  • Client Focus
  • Integrity
  • Love and Dignity
  • Innovativeness
  • Teamwork
  • Excellence
  • Mission

    AMS exists to provide and model comprehensive prevention, care, treatment and support of HIV and other health needs for its clientele using a holistic approach incorporating education, training and research to empower them live a quality life

    Together We Can End AIDS

    Alive Medical Services has emphasized that this is not the time to slow down the efforts on global AIDS, but rather that we must grab the moment to build on the progress made and reach an AIDS free generation.

    Our community's health and well-being is our top focus

    Alive Medical Services seeks to improve the lives of persons living with HIV by providing non-discriminatory universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, support and care.

    Our Services

    Integrated and Comprehensive HIV Prevention, Testing & Care

    Alive Medical Services provides integrated HIV services that cover prevention, testing, treatment, and long-term care. Our programs support early diagnosis, rapid linkage to care, and sustained treatment to improve the health and quality of life of people living with HIV.

    Services include:-

    HIV testing and counseling
    Index testing & Self-testing
    Antiretroviral therapy (ART)
    Adherence counseling
    Viral load monitoring
    PrEP and PEP services
    Management of Opportunistic Infections
    Community-based HIV prevention programs

    Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child & Adolescent Health (RMNCAH)

    We provide comprehensive health services for women, newborns, children, and adolescents to support healthy pregnancies, safe childbirth, and healthy childhood development.

    Services include:-

    Antenatal & Postnatal care
    Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV
    Early infant diagnosis (EID)
    Immunization services
    Adolescent-friendly health services

    Family Planning Services

    Alive Medical Services provides modern family planning services and counseling to help individuals and couples make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

    Services include:-

    Injectable contraceptives & Implants
    Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) including hormonal IUDs
    Oral contraceptive pills
    Counseling on contraceptive methods
    Referrals for additional reproductive health services

    Sexual and Reproductive Health Services

    Our sexual and reproductive health services empower individuals with knowledge, prevention tools, and access to care to improve reproductive health outcomes.

    Services include:-

    STI & Hepatitis Screening & Treatment
    Reproductive Health Education
    HIV prevention services
    Counseling
    Referrals for specialized reproductive health care

    Laboratory and Pharmacy Services

    Our laboratory and pharmacy services support quality diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of health conditions.

    Services include:-

    Diagnostic testing
    HIV viral load testing
    TB testing
    Clinical laboratory investigations
    Medication dispensing
    Treatment adherence support
    Management of essential medicines

    Nutrition, Safe Water & Hygiene (WASH) Programs

    We promote healthy living through nutrition support and safe water and hygiene interventions that prevent disease and improve community health.

    Services include:-

    Nutrition Screening & Counseling
    Health Education on healthy diets
    Distribution of water purification solutions and filters
    Community Education on safe water and hygiene practices

    Youth and Children Services

    Alive Medical Services provides specialized services that support the health, development, and well-being of children and young people.

    Programs include:-

    Youth-friendly services
    Psychosocial support
    Adolescent education

    Cervical Cancer Screening & Treatment

    At Alive Medical Services, cervical cancer prevention is a critical part of HIV care. Women living with HIV face a significantly higher risk of developing cervical cancer, yet early screening and treatment can prevent most cases.

    By integrating cervical cancer services into our HIV and sexual reproductive health services clinic, we are ensuring that women continue to receive comprehensive, holistic, and life-saving care in one place. To ensure these integrated services are sustainable, we are investing in ongoing staff training, building local partnerships, and incorporating cervical cancer screening into our routine HIV program activities.

    5,000+

    Women Screened

    85%

    Treatment Completion

    10,000+

    Awareness Reach

    Since integration, the facility has screened over 5,000 women, referred over 270 precancerous lesions for further management, and reached over 10,000 with cervical cancer awareness and prevention education. Of the women referred for further management, over 85% have successfully completed treatment, and our follow-up data indicate a high rate of continued engagement in care.

    Ongoing patient follow-up indicates that the majority of women treated remain free of disease at their most recent check-ups, further demonstrating the effectiveness of our integrated approach. By integrating cervical cancer prevention into HIV services, we are reducing preventable deaths, improving long-term health outcomes for women, and strengthening community resilience.

    Services include:-

    Cervical Cancer Screening
    Precancerous Lesion Referrals
    Integrated SRH/HIV Care
    Referral for specialized treatment
    Treatment of early-stage cervical abnormalities

    Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Prevention & Management

    Alive Medical Services provides prevention, screening, and management services for chronic diseases that affect long-term health.

    Services include:-

    Hypertension Screening & Management
    Diabetes Care
    Chronic Condition Management
    Health Education on Prevention
    Nutrition Counseling
    Specialized Care Referrals

    Mental Health & Psychosocial Support

    We provide mental health care and psychosocial support to help individuals and families cope with emotional, social, and health challenges. Our approach is compassionate and focused on holistic well-being.

    Services include:-

    Individual Counseling
    Psychotherapy
    Psychosocial Support for PLHIV
    Adolescent Mental Health Services
    Vulnerable Population Support

    Tuberculosis Screening & Treatment

    We integrate tuberculosis prevention, screening, and treatment into our health services to reduce the burden of TB in communities. Early diagnosis and completed treatment cycles are key to our success.

    Services include:-

    TB Screening & Diagnosis
    Clinical TB Treatment
    TB Preventive Therapy (TPT)
    Community TB Education

    Community Outreach & Mobile Health Services

    Our outreach programs extend healthcare beyond the facility by bringing essential health services directly to communities, ensuring even the most remote populations are reached.

    Services include:-

    Mobile Clinics
    Community HIV Testing Campaigns
    Health Education Sessions
    Prevention Commodity Distribution
    Peer-led Community Engagement

    Training, Research & Capacity Building

    Alive Medical Services strengthens healthcare systems by building the capacity of health workers, community leaders, and future health professionals.

    Our commitment to excellence involves a multi-faceted approach to education and development. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, we ensure that the latest medical advancements and best practices are integrated into community healthcare delivery.

    Activities include:-

    Health Worker Training
    Mentorship & Supervision
    Medical Student Internships
    Operational Research
    Knowledge Sharing

    Through these activities, AMS not only improves immediate patient care but also contributes to the long-term sustainability and quality of the national health system in Uganda.

    Advocacy & Policy Engagement

    We advocate for equitable access to healthcare and the protection of the rights of vulnerable populations. AMS works with government institutions, civil society organizations, and community networks to influence policies and strengthen health systems.

    Our advocacy efforts focus on:-

    HIV Prevention Advocacy
    Sexual Reproductive Health Rights
    National Health Policy Support
    Protection of Vulnerable Groups
    0+
    Years of Service
    0+
    Number Of People Living With HIV Served
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    Number Of People Reached With HIV/SRHR Services

    Testimonies Of Love

    Please follow up with us as we share our latest updates with regards to our work...

    Overcoming HIV and Cervical Cancer: Scovia's Story

    *Scovia* is a 36-year-old mother of three who has been living with HIV for 13 years. Despite her diagnosis, she remains strong and committed to her treatment, ensuring she leads a healthy and productive life. In October 2020, the Ministry of Health in Uganda initiated a widespread rollout of cervical cancer screening for women living with HIV, as they are at greater risk due to compromised immune systems. This initiative aimed to provide HPV testing to identify and treat precancerous lesions. Additionally, women suspected of having cervical cancer were referred for further management. On a bright Tuesday, Scovia had her appointment for a refill of her antiretroviral medications. The health workers followed the Ministry of Health guidelines to screen women aged 25 to 49 years. Scovia qualified for the screening. “We received this news during the health talk sessions held every morning. The nurse leading the session was very articulate; she explained how the disease spreads and emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and the available treatments. Initially, I was skeptical about the screening process, which, as she described, was quite unpleasant. However, I wasn't overly worried, especially since my husband had passed away in 2017, just four years before my screening in January 2021, and I hadn't entered into another relationship since then.” Scovia shared. During the screening process, Scovia received shocking news: she had developed cervical cancer. This confused her because she had not been with any man since the passing of her husband. However, the nurse took the time to explain the scientific aspect to her, helping her understand how this could happen. Initially, the diagnosis left her feeling fearful and uncertain about her future. She worried about her children, her health, and the stigma that often accompanies such illnesses. With thorough counselling and guidance, along with thoughts about her children's futures, Scovia made the courageous decision to begin treatment. She was referred for further management at the Uganda Cancer Institute. At the institute, Scovia was quickly enrolled in a comprehensive care program where she received specialized cancer treatment. This journey was not easy; it was filled with moments of pain, fear, and doubt. “The nurses regularly visited me at the cancer institute, which made me feel valued and loved.” Scovia smiles. With resilience, determination, and supportive counselling, she completed her treatment and was declared cancer-free in August 2021. Today, Scovia remains committed to taking her HIV medication consistently and attends regular medical check-ups. She actively promotes the importance of early cervical cancer screenings for women, particularly those living with HIV. Scovia's story serves as a powerful example of hope and resilience. She illustrates that with early detection, appropriate treatment, and strong support systems, women living with HIV can overcome significant challenges and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

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    From Despair to Hope: Agnes' Journey to Health

    At 35, Agnes, a single mother from one of Kampala’s most densely populated slums, found herself in a nightmare. In 2019, after separating from her partner, she was diagnosed with HIV. Overnight, her world collapsed. The news not only shattered her emotionally, but it also deepened her vulnerability she faced harsh stigma, struggled financially with no stable job, and lacked access to proper healthcare. “I felt lost, broken, and hopeless,” she recalls. “I didn’t know how I would survive, let alone take care of myself with an illness like HIV.” With no formal employment, she relied on washing clothes for people just to scrape by, a situation that seemed impossible to sustain. Fear consumed her every thought. But amidst the darkness, Agnes found light. Alive Medical Services stepped in, providing her with antiretroviral therapy (ART), comprehensive healthcare, and ongoing emotional support. Counseling sessions helped her process the overwhelming emotional toll of living with HIV, while the medical care she received allowed her to regain control of her health. “The doctors comforted me, assured me that life wasn’t over. They recreated hope in me,” Agnes shares, her voice filled with gratitude. As she regained her footing, Agnes discovered she was pregnant. Once again, fear gripped her this time for her unborn child. But thanks to Alive Medical Services’ Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) program, Agnes learned how to protect her baby from the virus. She followed the program diligently, attending antenatal visits, openly communicating her status to her healthcare team, and doing everything in her power to ensure her baby was born HIV-free.“When I was told that I could give birth to an HIV-negative baby, I was determined to follow every step the doctors recommended. I couldn’t offer much to my child but giving her a healthy start in life became my priority.” Today, Agnes’ 15-month-old daughter remains HIV-free. She continues to bring her daughter for regular check-ups, ensuring she follows every guideline until her baby is officially discharged as HIV-negative. “The doctors have not only given me an HIV-negative baby, but they’ve also empowered me. I feel strong, knowing my daughter will need me, and I am determined to stay healthy for her. I thank them for never giving up on us and working tirelessly to help families like mine. In the beginning, I had no hope, but today, I realize that treatment can help both me and my child live healthy, fulfilling lives.” Alive Medical Services, with the support of different partners, donors, well wishers, has transformed the lives of countless women like Agnes. Their shared commitment to ending HIV by 2030 shines through in every story of survival, hope, and empowerment. This continues to bring stories of hope to light, encouraging even more people to join the fight and make a difference in the lives of those impacted by HIV.

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    Save Drinking Water Saves Lives in HIV Care

    At 55, Janice found herself at a crossroads when she was referred to Alive Medical Services after testing positive for HIV. Filled with despair, she thought her life was over. But through the compassionate care and support of Alive Medical Services, Janice received comprehensive treatment for HIV and other opportunistic infections, without having to worry about the cost. Gradually, her life found stability, but there was one persistent challenge access to clean drinking water. Living in a community where clean water was a scarce resource, Janice faced the constant struggle of relying on a single well that often ran dry during the sweltering summer months. Left with no choice, she would either collect rainwater or travel long distances to neighboring villages to fetch water. Boiling water to make it safe was not only expensive but also time-consuming and impractical for someone already stretched thin. “If I could barely afford charcoal or firewood to cook food, how was I supposed to spend extra just to boil water?” Janice recalls. “It was exhausting, and with children running around, there was always the risk of accidents while waiting for the water to cool. I desperately wished for a modern solution that could make our lives easier.” That solution came in the form of water purification supplies supported by The Children Safe Drinking Water by P&G , offered through Alive Medical Services. Janice, like many others, was skeptical at first but intrigued by the promise of these small, seemingly magical sachets. Along with her kit complete with two buckets, a mixing stick, and a cloth filter, Janice received her first supplies of water purification sachets. Determined to make it work, she took the time to learn how to use the sachets and explain their benefits to her family and skeptical neighbors. “Slowly but surely, everyone started to see the difference. The water was clearer, cleaner, and safe to drink in just a short amount of time. It wasn’t just about convenience it saved my family and some of my neighbors from the financial burden of finding clean drinking water,” Janice shared with a smile. “We marveled at how such a small sachet could do so much.” With clean water now readily available, Janice and her family no longer worry about falling ill from contaminated water sources. Her children can attend school without fear of waterborne diseases, and the overall quality of life in her household has drastically improved. “Our lives have changed for the better. Having access to clean water has taken away one of our biggest challenges, and it has made such a difference, especially for me, while managing my HIV treatment,” Janice explained. “We are healthier and happier, and I feel a new sense of hope.” The water purifiers have revolutionized households like Janice’s, showing that even simple innovations can make a world of difference in the lives of rural communities. Alive Medical Services is grateful for all our donors helping us to provide these life-changing water purifiers to many vulnerable individuals living with HIV, ensuring they have access to clean drinking water. “I have no more excuses,” Janice says. “Alive Medical Services has done an incredible job of keeping me and my family healthy. I am forever grateful.” This story highlights the power of innovation and partnership in addressing critical needs, showing how access to clean water can uplift entire communities, one sachet at a time.

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    The Lead

    Dr. Pasquine Ogunsanya

    Executive Director

    Dr. Adebiyi Ogunsanya

    Director Programs

    Dr. Elizabeth Kihika

    Programs Manager

    Jacob Muwonge

    Finance Manager

    Christine Adongo

    Monitoring & Evaluation Manager

    Our Partners