The Kyaka II refugee settlement in southwest Uganda is home to more than 17,000 refugees, primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi, as well as from Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Central African Republic, and Malawi. International Medical Corps has been working comprehensively toward reducing HIV/AIDS incidence and prevalence in this camp since 2006. And with over half (58 percent) of the population younger than 18, International Medical Corps has targeted youth in its HIV prevention programs.
To increase community awareness, International Medical Corps has initiated door-to-door visits and impromptu discussions between community educators and community members. WE also held an essay-writing competition to assess children’s knowledge and skills on HIV/AIDS and prevention of the disease. This creative exercise gave International Medical Corps insight on the myths and misconceptions among the youth, and identified their existing knowledge about HIV. In addition, we sponsored music, dance and drama shows for in-school and out-of-school youth, thereby providing another avenue for them to learn about the disease.
International Medical Corps also has increased access to voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) in this community. We have instituted 10 community service outlets and one facility-based outlet for VCT, in addition to running a mobile VCT clinic in the nine zones of the settlement and in one of the zones for the host population. Almost 3,000 individuals have been counseled, tested, and have received results on their HIV status. In addition, International Medical Corps has trained health workers, community workers and community educators to carry out the HIV counseling and testing, thereby enhancing the capacity of the local health care workforce.
Another component of our comprehensive strategy is preventing mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. To achieve this goal, International Medical Corps has strengthened the capacity of the existing health center, Bujubuli Health Center III, to integrate PMTCT service delivery into the existing antenatal and post-natal care. We have trained existing health staff on VCT and drug provision, and provided information for staff to disseminate about antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis and treatment; infant and young feeding practices; and HIV testing for babies of HIV-positive mothers. Due to the high number of at-home deliveries, International Medical Corps also trained Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) on referring expectant mothers to the clinic for HIV testing, where HIV-positive women who cannot give birth at the health facility are given ARV medications. In addition, International Medical Corps strives to provide care to orphans and vulnerable children.We purchased scholastic materials such as books, pens, and pencils, and distributed them to more than 700 orphans in schools. International Medical Corps established demonstration gardens with different crops including tomatoes, cabbages, and onions, and more than 2,000 of these children received seeds and agricultural equipment from us. Caregivers of these children were also trained on ways to improve the quality of care and support they provide.
Finally, we increased access to basic health care and support for HIV/AIDS patients through establishing a palliative care service outlet, and another center for providing prophylaxis and treatment of tuberculosis to HIV-positive individuals. International Medical Corps also trained health workers to provide HIV palliative care and clinical prophylaxis and/or treatment for tuberculosis to HIV-infected individuals.