Bishop Asili Micro Finance Project

November 14th, 2008
Bishop Asili Hospital has a population of 600 registered HIV/AIDS clientele. There are an estimated 3,500 patients that have yet to be registered as a result of limited staff and lack of resources. These 600 patients come to the clinic weekly for services such as CD4 count analysis, ARV treatment, Naverapin for HIV positive pregnant mothers, guidance and counseling as well as care for other opportunistic infections that they are suffering from. This HIV positive community has formed a post test club that provides a forum for testimonial therapy as well as entertainment as a means by which to educate the surrounding area about how HIV/AIDS is contracted. Bishop Asili is finding that a growing number of their HIV positive clientele are quite healthy and have a second chance at life as a result of getting the best possible treatment available as well as the opportunity to check their CD4 count when necessary. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of stigma in Uganda towards HIV positive people, which has left nearly all of the patients jobless and with no means by which to support themselves or their families.
Tessa meeting with the HIV positive clientele at Bishop Asili to discuss micro finance
Just Like My Child Foundation will partner with Bishop Asili to pilot a micro finance Program to aid their healthy HIV positive clientele with income generation. The HIV/AIDS counselor, who knows the medical history and personal background of all 600 registered patients, has identified five people from six separate villages to take part in the micro finance program. Those clients that have been chosen to participate are registered patients of Bishop Asili's HIV program and on some form of treatment.
These patients have come together with Bishop Asili staff to discuss what kinds of income generation projects they are interested in being involved in based upon their skill sets and capabilities. Some suggested projects include: piggery, poultry, gardening, tailoring, craft design, street vendor and a catering service. Bishop Asili will purchase the items and materials needed for these projects rather than providing the seed money to start them. Training will be provided for the program participants on topics such as opening a savings account, budgeting finances, living in a healthy and positive way as well as planning for the future. Each group of patients will support one another and work towards success together in their villages. They will act as a role model for all of the members of their community with the goal of encouraging others to come to the clinic to be tested for HIV as well as eradicating the stigma associated with the virus. Participants of the project will be required to bring something tangible back to Bishop Asili (e.g. one female pig) so that other identified, healthy patients will benefit and to ensure sustainability of the over all program. Participants of the micro finance program will give the Bishop Asili Counselor weekly updates on the progress of their projects during their regularly scheduled counseling visits. Bishop Asili staff will make a visit to the home of the patient to observe the successes and outcomes of the income generating activity.