The Power of Peace and Partnership

In northern Uganda, a few short years have meant the difference between life and death, especially for those living with HIV.
Incredibly, back in 2004, the lifesaving cocktail of antiretroviral medications was actually available in war-torn Gulu. But the long conflict between government forces and the Lord's Resistance Army limited community access to the medications.

Masimo Opiyo, PEPFAR-funded AIDSRelief coordinator for Comboni Samaritans of Gulu, is thankful that improved security and medical care are enabling HIV patients in northern Uganda to survive.
 
As the lead agency of the five-partner AIDSRelief consortium, funded by U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Catholic Relief Services is supporting two local partners in Gulu: the Comboni Samaritans of Gulu center and St. Mary's Lacor Hospital. Through funding from PEPFAR, these two facilities are working in tandem to provide comprehensive care and support for people affected by HIV in the Gulu area.

"People couldn't travel because on the way they could easily meet rebels," explains Masimo Opiyo, AIDSRelief coordinator for Comboni Samaritans of Gulu, an HIV services provider supported by CRS. "Now people can move freely and come to the hospital. The number of people dying has drastically gone down."

Ongoing negotiations are not only bringing the hope of peace to the entire region, but they are also bringing the promise of longer lives to people living with HIV. Due to improved security, these people can safely access health facilities to take advantage of significantly improved services, including free antiretroviral therapy, other HIV care and treatment services, and community-based support.