HIV/Medical Outreach in Masese

Amazima works actively in the community of Masese, a village wrought with extreme hunger, hopelessness, alcoholism, prostitution, and disease. 

The majority of residents in Masese are of the Karimojong tribe, a nomadic group that is discriminated against and treated as outcasts.   Amazima cares for the people of Masese in many important ways, but today we want to share with you about our Community Health Care and HIV/AIDS program. 

Believing a high majority of the people who live in Masese are HIV+ (a number we cannot, however, confirm), Katie recognized the need in Masese for HIV/AIDS education and a proactive approach to treatment and prevention.  Amazima’s social worker and counselor, Christine Alloyo, dedicates much of her time to caring for the people of Masese and improving their quality of life. 

Despite the high percentage of those infected, the topic of HIV/AIDS is very challenging to address.  Infected individuals are not only afraid of the stigma attached to HIV, but also the realization that they will need to live drastically different in order to become healthy and productive members of society.

Christine’s first obstacle to HIV/AIDS prevention and care was establishing trust in Masese.  She invested time, visiting Masese 5-6 times a week, building relationships and getting to know the people personally. Speaking six Ugandan dialects, Christine is fluent in Kiswahili, a commonly used dialect in Masese.  This enables her to communicate in their language and makes conversation easier.  Christine also bridged a relationship with an ‘insider’ named Todi, who initiates conversations with people in Masese about what Christine is doing.

Amazima's social worker and counselor, Christine

When Todi learns of someone who has HIV or suspects that they have it, Todi encourages her friends to meet with Christine and get tested.  Christine takes them to Katie's house where they receive free HIV testing. If the test results are positive, her children are also tested, and they go to Jinja Main hospital for treatment.  Christine walks each person through her status, affirming that HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence—her life can still have meaning and be long-lasting. Additionally, if any remedial drugs are necessary, Amazima funds the medication. 

While a person who tests positive receives free antiretroviral drugs (courtesy of the Ugandan government), there are, unfortunately, many sick individuals who resist treatment or believe that their traditional herbal medicines will cure them of HIV/AIDS. This is one of Christine’s biggest hurdles.  She encourages infected people to take their ARVs, but struggles against cultural superstitions.  Christine also educates the people about family planning and birth control. 

When asked the hardest part of her job, Christine offers, “When people pass away from AIDS, it’s sometimes very difficult to locate family. But it’s important to do so because the family may not even know the person has died. Often Amazima pays for transporting the body to burial and for the coffin itself. This eases the burden from the family of the deceased.”

“My hope is that the people can learn how to take care of themselves and know they can lead a good life, even with an HIV/AIDS status,” says Christine.

Amazima is so blessed to have people like Christine on our team.  Please be praying for her as she cares for the people of Masese in this important outreach.