Our Programs

Adults Who Are Living with HIV

Adults who are living with HIV receive assistance through Uzima Centre. During their monthly support group meetings, they encourage one another. Most of them are receiving antiretroviral therapy through one of the government HIV clinics. With proper daily adherence to this drug therapy, almost all of them are able to fully participate in daily activities, and are able to support themselves and their families.

Uzima Centre assists with the purchase of medicine when the treatment of secondary infections becomes necessary. Those who are clinically underweight receive food assistance. Uzima Centre is a place where HIV positive individuals can come and be themselves. They can share their joys and their struggles. They know that there are people who care. As they each learn more about how to manage their health and how to navigate the health care system, they share that knowledge with others. Many are open about their HIV status. They encourage family and friends to get tested.

"Above all, they become examples of how hope, health and education can truly change lives"

Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission

The virus responsible for HIV can be transmitted from the mother to her child either during childbirth or through breastfeeding. At Uzima Centre we offer special assistance to all HIV positive women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. There are precautions that can be taken to reduce the odds of the baby becoming infected. Women learn where the designated hospitals are that specialize in deliveries for HIV positive mothers. They learn about the pros and cons of breastfeeding their babies. Together they share their stories and learn from one another.

"What do you tell your mother-in-law who doesn’t know you are HIV positive when she asks you why you aren’t breastfeeding? How can you know for sure that your baby isn’t HIV positive?"

These sharing also give us an opportunity to encourage the women to try and plan their pregnancies. If a woman can wait until her CD4 count (an indicator of the health of her immune system) is high enough before getting pregnant, there is a lesser chance that the baby will be infected. Regardless of the situation, we are there for them and they know that they are not alone. What a joy it is to see a mother deliver a healthy HIV negative baby!

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Not only will the baby have a better chance at a healthy life but it means that the mother will not be burdened with the demands of a sick child, especially with her own health to worry about.

This is all possible through proper education and assistance. Many of these women become counselors to others who are in similar situations.

The woman in this group also receive training in entrepreneurship and a small loan to improve their ability to provide for their children

Children and Adolescents Living with HIV

Uzima Centre offers four different support groups for children and adolescents who have been HIV positive since birth. Our goal is that they are healthy, happy and have the same opportunities as other children. Food assistance, medical care and school supplies are provided. All receive antiretroviral treatment through local government clinics. Currently three are enrolled in college; while others are in vocational programs studying electronics, mechanics and tailoring.

Orphans and Vulnerable Children

School-age children are assisted through our program for orphans and vulnerable children. Since their families struggle to meet their basic needs; we assist them with medical care and school supplies.

On Saturdays, recreational and educational activities are provided, along with a meal. We are especially proud of two who have finished medical school and are now doctors.

Close to one hundred school-age children are assisted through our program for orphans and vulnerable children. Since their families struggle to meet their basic needs; we assist them with medical care and school supplies.

On Saturdays, recreational and educational activities are provided, along with a meal. The teens learn to make handicrafts which are sold to help pay for their schooling. We are especially proud of two who have finished medical school and are now doctors.

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"These young people are our future and we are so proud of them!"