Those affected with HIV face a number of challenges due to discrimination, stigmatization and often, single parenthood. Because frequent illness can disrupt the daily routines of working women and men, contracting HIV can result in the loss of a livelihood – placing families and individuals at risk of decreased health, worsening poverty and death. To help clients support themselves, Alive Medical Services (AMS) has established a number of income-generating and support groups for HIV-positive patients.

Bulamu Kwefaako (Kapeeka)

The Bulamu Kwefaako support group exists to bring the services of AMS closer to their own community. Based in Kapeeka – a town in Luwero district – Bulamu Kwefaako was formed after a group of residents realized they were all struggling to engage in Tweyambe due to geographical restraints. As a result, they began their own group. Bulamu Kwefaako members conduct home visits, counsel HIV-positive individuals, and raise awareness on HIV and opportunistic infections. Additionally, they support one another in income-generating activities, such as animal husbandry and crop farming.

Gardening Groups

AMS provided start-up and maintenance support to 18 gardening clubs, all of which are made up of HIV-positive patients. We empower the members of these clubs with skills around gardening and cultivating skills, the value of nutritious foods, and marketing their produce to the local communities. Every week, these groups set up stalls at AMS to sell their produce to other clients and AMS staff.