Reach Out Mbuya Community Health Initiative (ROM) on Wednesday 29th June 2022 hosted the Parliamentary Committee on HIV/Aids and Uganda AIDS Commission. The team was on a field visit to ROM to assess the success progress on elimination of Mother to Child Transition of HIV, explore mechanisms of local resource mobilization for a sustaining HIV response and promotion of HIV advocacy and awareness in the community.
The members led by the committee chairperson Hon. Sarah Netelisire Kayagi, MP Namisindwa District were amazed at how ROM is able to restore hope amongst the most vulnerable members of the community, and particularly those infected and affected by HIV. Others present were Hon. Alanyo Jennifer- MP representing UPDF, Hon. Micheal Kakembo-MP Entebbe Municipality, Hon. Businge Harriet Mugenyi Akiiki-Woman MP Hoima District, Hon. Olanya Gilbert-MP Kilak County, Hon. Tebandke Charles-MP Bbaale County Kayunga and Dr.Vicent Baguma of Uganda AIDS commission among others.
ROM has for long been supporting different groups of people in her implementation and through her unique holistic model of change, promotes learning and transformation of her clients’ body, mind, family and community. This kind of support is not limited to provision of medical care to People Living with HIV (PLHIV) but also touches areas of care and treatment for tuberculosis, Mother to Child Care, Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Adolescents, Young and Grand Mothers, economic empowerment and non-communicable diseases. This increases clients’ resilience amidst life challenges.
During the meeting, the Executive Director of Reach Out Mbuya Josephine Kaleebi told the members that the organization supports vulnerability which is beyond HIV, because this can affect someone throughout their life. For this reason, activities are planned in a way that they complement each other. She called for Parliament’s support on the issue of mind set change among members of the community. “We need to handle this with support from the Parliament through economic empowerment.” She said. ROM is also integrating Behavior Change Communication programs as a strategy to create positive mindset amongst her clients.
Concerning school fees support , the E.D explained that currently, ROM can only push children up to end of primary seven.
On behalf of the committee, Hon. Businge Harriet thanked ROM for everything they do to improve the lives of PLHIV and the good hospitality accorded to the guests.
