Using bicycles and motorbikes to spread the HIV message in Uganda
23 May 2008
Network support agent, Katakwi district.
The Alliance has been providing bicycles, motorcycles and grants 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 HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services.
Through the programme, the Alliance has 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 will allow the network support agents to strengthen referral systems between health facilities and community based services and work 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.
The grants and motorcycles provided to groups of people living with HIV will enable them to deliver HIV services including home-based care, support for orphans and vulnerable children, support for adherence to HIV treatment and activities to educate and share information about HIV and available services.
