Since the beginning of Alive Medical Services, we has been committed to providing a complete and holistic HIV care package for every client that walks into our clinic. Our package consists of HIV prevention, care, and treatment through free provision of counselling and testing, medication, maternal and child health services, nutritional and water sanitation support, and psychosocial support through peer support and income-generation groups. Thanks to the support from the community, in 2016 we were able to expand our psychosocial services to incorporate music! 

In 2016, we began collaborating with Musicians Without Borders (MwB), a group of highly trained global musicians who use music to inspire, empower communities, and heal the wounds of trauma. Our partnership with MwB began with the facilitation of a community music project to improve viral suppression, HIV status disclosure, ARV adherence, and the mental well-being of AMS’s youth. 30 youth were enrolled in the music programming project to train as community music leaders. They completed 20 sessions and upon completion of this program, and they graduated as Community Music Leaders to lead their peers through on-going music sessions. Because of the continued support from our donors, partners and well wishers, we are able to create these special partnerships that aid our holistic packages for all ages. We have already witnessed a vibrancy in our atmosphere at AMS and are anxiously awaiting the graduation of our 30 Community Music Leaders in May 2017. 

“I have a supportive mother. She always told me to be brave, but I still worried. Before coming here, I wasn’t normal. I wouldn’t speak to people because of the stigma. I was always paranoid, I felt alone. But then I came to AMS and I met these people. It was different. I got involved with the Victors Club and the Music Program and I started easily making friends. They understood and never judged me. At AMS I have friends who understand and help me. We talk about everything, not just our status. The doctors are so friendly, everyone is. I got pregnant and enrolled in Alive's EMTCT [Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission] program. Because of this program, I now have a healthy, HIV negative baby girl. I have a family here. AMS got me from where I was, to where I am now. Now I am in a position to help others as well.” * Vivian, one of the trained Community Music Leaders testified.

There are many inspiring stories like Vivians’s among the youth at AMS. We are ecstatic to see what our youth will accomplish with their newfound musical skills and empowerment. Thank you for all the support you provide to Alive Medical Services. 

Together, we can make a difference in our youth’s lives!