New lease of life for Bwaise slum mothers, vulnerable children

In a makeshift shack in Bwaise, a slum on the outskirts of Kampala in Kawempe Division, Restetuta (not real names) goes about her work. She operates a dinghy bar in the slum’s Katoogo zone.

Her face is a mixture of exasperation, hunger, and a hangover. When she, however, speaks, there is life in her voice. 

She lives with HIV and is open about it. Restetuta, in a conversation with staff from Allied Help for Vulnerable Children, is witty too. “I am hungry and HIV positive,” she says in response to formal introductions. She is among the many dwellers who are HIV positive but have become ambassadors against the spread of the virus. 

A recent study on Ugandan slum dwellers’ risk of HIV infection found that HIV was high among slum residents compared to non-slum urban and rural residents, respectively.

The estimated prevalence rate of HIV infection among women in slum areas was found to be higher.

Poverty and unemployment are considered key factors contributing to transmission. 

When a team from Allied Help for Vulnerable Children in Africa (AHVCA) conducted a comprehensive HIV/AIDS and general cleanliness outreach initiative in the Bwaise Katoogo zone, their findings were not far from the studies.

Walter Solomon Muleyi, Head of Communications at Allied Help for Vulnerable Children in Africa, hands a hamper to one of the women. Courtesy Photo

Behind the hubbub of activity and boisterous demeanour that the residents wield is the sad intersection of misfortune, poverty, and HIV/AIDS.

In collaboration with The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO), AHVCA organised a medical camp at the Katoogo trading centre, offering vital HIV/AIDS testing and counselling services to community members.

Among the 90 individuals tested, 12 were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by affected individuals in accessing crucial healthcare services.

The residents, teeming mostly of the informal sector, led the team to a secret society of people with HIV/AIDS, juggling the elusive welfare and health balls.

Dr. Godfrey Kikomeko, representing Allied Help for Vulnerable Children in Africa, delivered a poignant message to the residents of Katoogo, emphasising the importance of practicing safe sex and demystifying the role of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications in HIV/AIDS prevention.

Concurrently, AHVCA identified mothers living with HIV/AIDS who were grappling with significant hardships in accessing basic necessities.

Led by Managing Director Adnan Kawooya, a compassionate team from AHVCA, they  distributed relief hampers comprising essential items such as rice, sugar, soap, and cooking oil to these families, providing much-needed support and assistance.

Walter Solomon Muleyi, Head of Communications at Allied Help for Vulnerable Children in Africa, stressed the critical importance of ensuring that mothers living with HIV/AIDS have access to timely information and emergency support for mothers affected by HIV/AIDS.

He said that these often face profound challenges, including weakened health and social stigma, which can exacerbate their vulnerability.

Muleyi further urged local council leaders to prioritise support for individuals living with HIV/AIDS by establishing accessible avenues for information and assistance, thereby combating stigma and promoting inclusivity within the community.