The Namugongo Capacity Building for the Prevention and Management of HIV/AIDS Project, supported by AMU Luxembourg and implemented from 2018 to 2022, was designed to strengthen the capacity of Zia Angelina Health Centre to provide comprehensive, quality and sustainable HIV/AIDS services to people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Kira Municipality. The project addressed both the health and socio-economic needs of beneficiaries while also strengthening the institutional capacity and working environment of the Health Centre.
The project focused on four key objectives:
1. Strengthening management capacity and staff performance at Zia Angelina Health Centre
The project supported capacity building of health facility staff in areas such as management, leadership, HIV/AIDS service delivery, patient care, record keeping, and teamwork and performance management. Staff were equipped with knowledge and skills to improve the quality and efficiency of services provided to patients in the management of HIV/AIDS patients in Kira Municipality and the surrounding areas. This capacity was done through Continuous Medical Education and the different staff trainings in supervision, monitoring and evalution and Human resource management, The support also contributed to strengthening internal systems and improving staff motivation and accountability.
2. Providing quality HIV/AIDS care, treatment and psychosocial support
The project aimed to improve access to comprehensive HIV/AIDS services for approximately 300 children and adults living with HIV in Kira Municipality. Beneficiaries received support in accessing HIV testing, treatment, adherence counselling, monitoring and follow-up services. The project also emphasized psychosocial support to help beneficiaries cope with the social and emotional challenges associated with HIV/AIDS.
Particular attention was given to vulnerable beneficiaries, including children and adults requiring continued treatment and support. Through the Health Centre’s HIV/AIDS services, beneficiaries were encouraged to maintain treatment adherence, attend regular medical reviews and adopt healthier practices through peer to peer sessions and community sensitiation. The project therefore contributed to improved continuity of care and the overall well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS.
3. Increasing household incomes through Village Loan and Savings Associations (VLSAs)
Recognizing that poverty can negatively affect access to healthcare and adherence to treatment, the project incorporated a livelihood component through Village Loan and Savings Associations (VLSAs), 23 out of 24 VLSAs groups were formed. Beneficiaries and their households were supported through trainings in VLSAs in the communities of Kira Municipality with aim of develop savings culture from their small incomes and reinvesting in business.
The VLSA approach enabled members to mobilize their own financial resources and undertake small businesses and other livelihood activities. This contributed to strengthening household resilience, improving economic independence and reducing some of the financial challenges faced by families affected by HIV/AIDS.
4. Improving the working environment at Zia Angelina Health Centre
The project also invested in improving the physical infrastructure and working environment of Zia Angelina Health Centre. Support was provided towards the construction of the Empowerment building which is housing the laboratory, HIV/AIDS consulting room, counseling room, records, store, radiology department and training hall for the beneficiaries. This created additional and more suitable space for the delivery of health services and improved the working conditions of staff.
The infrastructure development contributed to the Health Centre’s ability to accommodate the growing demand for services and provided a more appropriate environment for both patients and health workers. This investment also laid a foundation for the continued expansion and strengthening of health services at the facility.
Overall Contribution of the Project
Overall, the 2018–2022 Namugongo Capacity Building Project made an important contribution to strengthening Zia Angelina Health Centre’s capacity to respond to HIV/AIDS in Kira Municipality. The project adopted an integrated approach by combining institutional capacity building, quality healthcare and psychosocial support, livelihood strengthening and infrastructure development.
The project not only benefited people living with HIV/AIDS but also strengthened the systems and capacity of Zia Angelina Health Centre to continue providing services beyond the project period. The combination of health and socio-economic interventions helped address some of the underlying challenges affecting vulnerable households and contributed to improved access to healthcare and greater household resilience.