World AIDS Day 2008 at Reach Out Initiative, Mbuya, Kampala

A report by Morgan Evans

Clients, volunteers, staff, school children and community members gather at the Mbuya clinic in preparation for a march through the villages and suburbs within which Reach Out operates. Reach Out aims to improve the lives of those affected by HIV giving them hope for the future. Reach Out works in and with the very poor communities most affected by HIV, providing community and home based care.

By increasing the awareness of the benefits of prevention and treatment more people may attend HIV services, including the 70% of sexually active Ugandans who are unaware of their HIV status. Allowing HIV to be discussed, in an open environment where stigma is reduced and disclosure is possible, aids development of strategies to tackle the problem of HIV, for an individual and for a community.