MBUYA HOME BASED CARE ALLIANCE: GRASSROOTS WOMEN IN ACTION ON HIV/AIDS IN SLUM COMMUNITY OF MBUYA, UGANDA

Abstract

This article systematizes the experience of the grassroots women of Mbuya Home Based Care Alliance (MHBCA) who, despite being infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, work to redeem their lives and families from extreme poverty while contributing to the development of the urban slum communities in which they live.The systematization process involved holding interviews with members of MHBCA to document their group activities such as Home Based Care, communal cleaning, poultry keeping, crafts making, etc. in pictures and on video.

Despite the challenges encountered in their work , the women have managed to earn a living from their activities as well as positively impacting their communities by reducing HIV/AIDS stigma through sensitization, offering trainings to community members on Income Generating Activities (IGAs), promoting good hygiene and nutrition.

With support from the community, local leadership and other supporting partners, grassroots women’s strategies that are based on a bottom-up approach can be replicated to lead to positive change locally, nationally and globally.