‘Choose Life': Sustainability and Hope against HIV
Fighting HIV with Sustainability and Hope: What we managed to do with the ‘Choose Life’ Project in 2024.
In the Moroto district, at the heart of Karamoja in Uganda, HIV/AIDS presents a daily challenge for many, exacerbating poverty, food insecurity, and social isolation. Through the "Choose Life Home Based Care" (CLHBC) project, supported by the Costa Family Foundation in collaboration with ISP in Africa, we are transforming these challenges into opportunities for 85 beneficiaries (28 men and 57 women) through activities that combine economic development, nutrition, and sustainability.
Key Objectives
The project pursued three main goals:
- Promoting economic autonomy by providing tools for income management and financial growth opportunities.
- Increasing food security by improving access to nutritious food for families.
- Fostering a dignified life by integrating sustainable practices and strengthening local communities.
Activities Implemented
The project's actions were developed across three core areas:
Income-Generating Activities (IGA) and Microcredit
- Beneficiaries: 35 individuals (30 women and 5 men).
- Details:
- Intensive training on savings, financial management, and microcredit.
- Establishment of two savings groups with financial support:
- Oyara Ka-Apei: 8 million UGX.
- Ekamakinos: 9 million UGX.
- Regular monitoring to ensure long-term outcomes.
Agroforestry
- Beneficiaries: 40 farmers (22 women and 18 men).
- Details:
- Theoretical and practical training on sustainable farming techniques.
- Distribution of 40 fruit tree seedlings and 10 varieties of vegetable seeds.
- Collaboration with schools, restaurants, and local hotels to market produce.
Beekeeping
- Beneficiaries: 10 individuals (5 men and 5 women).
- Details:
- Establishment of the "Napedo Apiary" group, providing 20 beehives and honey processing tools.
- Training on modern beekeeping techniques and marketing strategies.
- First harvest: 5 liters of honey sold for 600,000 UGX.
Results Achieved
The project delivered significant economic, health, and community impacts:
- Economic independence: Beneficiaries saved over 14 million UGX through IGAs, increasing their capacity to reinvest.
- Food security: Vegetable and fruit cultivation improved access to fresh produce, boosting family nutrition and income through sales.
- Improved health: 98% of beneficiaries with HIV/AIDS maintained suppressed viral loads due to better living conditions and access to care.
- Community cohesion: The project strengthened the culture of savings and collaboration.
Challenges and How They Were Addressed
The project faced several difficulties:
- Security issues: Interruptions in the Rupa and Nakiloro areas hindered monitoring efforts.
- Rising costs: Inflation reduced beneficiaries’ purchasing power.
- Beekeeping delays: Hive colonization took time, risking participants’ enthusiasm.
With continuous support, regular monitoring, and close collaboration among stakeholders, these challenges were tackled with resilience and adaptability.
A Look Ahead
The "Choose Life" project has demonstrated how integrated initiatives can transform lives in the most disadvantaged regions. It has provided people with not only economic resources but also knowledge and skills to build a more stable and dignified future.
This experience represents a successful model grounded in sustainability, cooperation, and determination to overcome challenges through concrete solutions. We will continue to follow the progress and support communities to ensure these results are sustained and expanded to other areas.
The fight against HIV/AIDS and poverty can be won. Together, we are proving that choosing life is always possible.
