About KIDA :: Holistic Approach to HIV PDF Print E-mail
KIDA (the Kitojo Integrated Development Association) is a grassroots organization that is empowering Ugandans to prevent the spread of HIV and reclaim their lives.  In an international partnership, KIDA is financially supported by the Friends of Ruwenzori Foundation, a 501c3 US-based nonprofit public charity based in California’s Bay Area.

KIDA is located in the Western Ugandan sub-county of Ruteete, in the Kabarole District.  The area is rural and the people are poor, with very limited access to healthcare services. KIDA’s programs emphasize personal responsibility, and include:
•    HIV education through drama, testing, and counseling
•    An on-site staffed clinic
•    Access to anti-retroviral therapies and treatment for opportunistic infections
•    A home-care visiting program
•    School support and counseling for vulnerable children
•    Micro-lending and saving, and entrepreneur mentoring
•    Agriculture training and mentoring in organic farming
•    Literacy and job skills training for youth and adults

KIDA is a registered NGO (non-governmental organization), certified in 2001 by the Republic of Uganda as a nonprofit.  The Reverend Ezra Musobozi, an ordained Anglican priest, and his wife Marjorie, both native Ugandans, founded KIDA and direct the operations of its programs with a small staff and many volunteers.

Ezra and Marjorie mobilized the surrounding community to address the need for AIDS care and prevention, with a leap of faith in 2001.  Volunteers formed over 40,000 mud bricks and, by 2003, had used them to build a four-room clinic.  No one knew where they would get the money for a roof or stucco to protect the mud bricks from the rain, nor did they know how they would fund voluntary counseling and testing.  They only knew that it was needed, and that it wouldn’t happen unless they took the first step.

KIDA’s Vision: “Empowered people taking care of their own lives.”

KIDA’s Mission Statement:

“To enable vulnerable individuals and communities to improve their quality of life through counseling, education, care and support of the HIV/AIDS infected and affected and promoting productive self help initiatives.”

KIDA’s Geographical Coverage:

In the Kabarole District of Western Uganda, clients currently come to the clinic at Kitojo primarily from three subcounties:

Ruteete Subcounty:     Kyamukoka, Rurama, Kiko parishes
Kasenda Subcounty:     Kasenda, Nyabweeya, Isuunga parishes
Buheesi Subcounty:     Nyamiseke, Kabahango, Kiyombya parishes

In response to KIDA’s monthly radio announcements, people also come from more outlying areas: Busoro Subcounty, Kibiito Subcounty, Kahungye Subcounty and even from the Districts of Kamwuenge and Ibanda to access HIV testing and attend positive living seminars.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 06 August 2008 05:22 )