Using bicycles and motorbikes to spread the HIV message in Uganda

2008-06-07

“One woman was not taking drugs properly. She thought Septrin was for the morning and antiretrovirals for the evening. The health worker sent the client to us. Following education and counselling, she is now taking her drugs well.”

Network support agent, Katakwi district, Uganda.

The INternational HIV/AIDS Alliance an alliance that supports community action on AIDS in developing countries has been handing out bicycles, motorcycles and cheques in ceremonies across Uganda as part of an initiative to improve the uptake of HIV services in the country.

The ceremonies mark the growth of a programme by Alliance Uganda to expand the role of networks of people living with HIV in the delivery of prevention, treatment and care services.

Through the programme, the Alliance and NAFOPHANU (the National Forum for People living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda) have been training people living with HIV to become network support agents. These agents work to link providers of HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services with people living with HIV and their families.

The new bicycles and motorcycles and grants will allow the network support agents to build on this work, which includes supporting people with their HIV treatment, and working to address social and psychological barriers to services – for example working with people and their families to demystify what treatment involves, and working directly with service providers.

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