Image
Orphans and children living with HIV who take part in our project
Orphans and children living with HIV who take part in our project
Image
Training to end gender-based violence
Training to end gender-based violence
Image
Sister Suzan cares for a newborn
Sister Suzan cares for a newborn
Image
Women prisoners undergo free health checks
Women prisoners undergo free health checks
News
Rosemary Ryan Wed, 03/09/2022 - 10:01

Responding To The Continuing Pandemic in Rubanda, South Western Uganda

Over the last thirty years, Rubanda Primary Health Care Program (Rubanda PHCP) has evolved to meet the local healthcare needs of a vulnerable population under its motto: “Putting Healthcare into the Hands of the People.”  Thanks to Sister Suzan and her team, MMS is now working in partnership with Jugend Eine Welt in Austria to implement a large-scale project in response to the pandemic, funded by Austria's Ministry of Social Affairs.

To announce our new activities in the surrounding vicinity, an Awareness Walk was arranged on 20th November 2021, led by a talented musical band whose lively music no-one in the villages could possibly miss.

Our new project is located in a remote, mountainous region where gender inequality is created, sustained and perpetuated by systems which reflect strong patriarchal attitudes. MMS is now training the local community in how to deal with incidents of domestic and gender-based violence. Many women and girls in this neglected corner of North Western Uganda have been forced to shelter from the pandemic in their homes, the place that should offer them the safest space. However, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, in crowded households, there has been a surge in cases of violence against women and girls reported to the Ugandan police - growing violence that UN Women calls a “shadow pandemic.”

Through our project, we are equipping 23 women and 23 men from 23 villages in the wide catchment area of Rubanda to identify and help victims of violence, whether responding with psychosocial support or protection, individually or through group counselling.  The women, some of whom have been victims of violence themselves, are being supported to become active ‘advocates of change’, equipped to champion the end of violence against women and girls in their local communities. They aim to engage men and boys as partners in combating gender-based violence, including village elders and other key influencers, and 23 men now actively training alongside them.

Another strand of project activity began with a moving celebration to mark World AIDS Day on 1st December 2021 during which candles were lit to commemorate the health facility’s many friends and relatives with HIV/AIDS who have died over the years. A number of people gave personal testimonies to encourage others, including young people living with HIV, to live positively and combat discrimination - after which a meal brought everyone together around a common table. This reflects our commitment in the project to addressing mental health and wellbeing for young people, coming to terms with their HIV status during the pandemic.

Finally, our free healthcare checks and medical treatment in a local prison are making a big difference to the lives of prisoners.

Sister Suzan also fits in time to work in Rubanda PHCP’s busy maternity wards.