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In the heart of Uganda, where communities continue to face the dual challenges of HIV/AIDS and poverty, The Meeting Point stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. For over a decade, our organization has been working tirelessly to provide comprehensive support to vulnerable individuals, creating ripple effects of positive change throughout the communities we serve.
Holistic HIV/AIDS Care in Action
Uganda has made significant strides in combating HIV/AIDS, but challenges remain, particularly in underserved communities. The Meeting Point’s HIV/AIDS Care & Prevention program has become a lifeline for many.
Last month, our mobile testing unit reached the remote village of Namayumba, where access to healthcare services is limited. During the three-day outreach, over 200 individuals received HIV testing and counseling services. For those who tested positive, our team provided immediate linkage to care, ensuring they began their treatment journey without delay.
“Before The Meeting Point came to our village, I had to travel 40 kilometers to access my ARVs,” shares Esther, a 35-year-old mother of three. “Sometimes I couldn’t afford the transport costs and would miss my medication. Now, not only can I access my drugs locally, but I’ve also joined a support group that has become like family to me.”
Our PMTCT (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission) program has been particularly impactful, achieving a 98% success rate in preventing HIV transmission from mother to child in the communities we serve. These results demonstrate that with proper interventions, we can work toward an HIV-free generation.
Empowering Orphans and Vulnerable Children
The ripple effects of HIV/AIDS and extreme poverty are perhaps most deeply felt by children. Through our OVC Support program, The Meeting Point is helping to rewrite the futures of hundreds of children across Uganda.
In Kampala’s Kawempe district, our education sponsorship initiative has enabled 150 vulnerable children to remain in school, with 45 having completed secondary education and now pursuing vocational training. These achievements represent not just individual success stories but transformed family trajectories.
Fourteen-year-old Daniel, who lost both parents to AIDS-related illnesses, shared: “When my parents died, I thought my dreams died too. Through The Meeting Point’s support, I’m not only back in school but excelling in my studies. I want to become a doctor to help others like me.”
Beyond educational support, our psychosocial interventions are helping children process trauma and build resilience. Monthly counseling sessions and peer support groups provide safe spaces for healing and growth.
Building Self-Reliance Through Community Empowerment
Understanding that sustainable change requires economic independence, The Meeting Point has pioneered community empowerment initiatives that go beyond immediate relief.
In the eastern region of Jinja, our microfinance program has supported 85 women living with HIV to establish small businesses ranging from market stalls to tailoring services. These entrepreneurs not only support their families but also employ others in their communities.
Rose, a participant in our small business training program, proudly says: “With the skills and start-up capital I received from The Meeting Point, I started a poultry business that now supplies eggs to local schools and markets. I can pay my children’s school fees and even save for the future. This is not charity—it’s empowerment.”
Our village savings and loan associations (VSLAs) have also proven transformative, with 25 groups now operational across the country. These community-based financial systems allow members to save, access credit, and build financial literacy—all essential components of long-term resilience.
Breaking Stigma Through Advocacy
Despite progress, stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers for people living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda. The Meeting Point’s advocacy efforts are helping to change perceptions and create more inclusive communities.
Our “Positive Living” campaign, launched in partnership with local leaders and religious institutions, has reached over 5,000 community members through dialogue sessions, radio programs, and community theater performances. These initiatives directly address misconceptions about HIV/AIDS and promote acceptance.
“The community theater program changed how I viewed people living with HIV,” admits Joseph, a local council leader. “I now understand that they deserve respect and support, not isolation. I’ve become an advocate in my own community.”
By collaborating with both grassroots organizations and international partners, The Meeting Point has amplified its advocacy impact, contributing to more supportive policies at both local and national levels.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable Impact
As The Meeting Point continues its work in Uganda, our focus remains on creating sustainable, community-driven solutions. By integrating healthcare, education, economic empowerment, and advocacy, we address not just the symptoms but the underlying causes of vulnerability.
Our recent partnership with the Ministry of Health to integrate our HIV/AIDS services into local healthcare systems represents an important step toward sustainability. Similarly, our train-the-trainer approach ensures that knowledge and skills remain within communities even after specific projects conclude.
The true measure of our success lies not in numbers but in transformed lives and communities. As Agnes, a long-time community volunteer, puts it: “The Meeting Point doesn’t just provide services—it builds hope. And with hope, our communities can overcome anything.”