The Kagera AIDS Project is an initiative of the Anglican Church of Tanzania for Ngara District of the Kagera Region. It has been operating since 2003 in partnership with MMA.

The project has successfully established a holistic care programme in 20 selected villages for people who have been infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

In each village:

• carers have been employed and trained to care for those living with HIV/AIDS
• village microfinance projects were set up to create a self-sustainable environment in which the devastation created by this disease will be overcome
• leadership teams were established for oversight  in decision making and financial management of the microfinance projects.

Stages 1 and 2 focussed on provision of HIV/AIDS medication, testing kits and counselling which are now being provided by other NGOs. The program of the Kagera AIDS Project has therefore been adapted to avoid duplication and to take into account the many changes that have taken place over the last six years, especially the establishment of a number of secondary schools. The gap not being filled is education on HIV/AIDS which is now a vital component in this new phase that commenced in July 2010. The project will provide education through the hosting of sensitization events in partnership with other NGOs. These events will also provide an opportunity for people to undergo testing for HIV/AIDS, a service which is not well utilised in the Ngara district.

A path towards financial independence and self sustainability is the aim of this phase of the Kagera AIDS Project.

The annual budget is AUD $40,000.

This is an approved tax deductible project, funded through the MMA Overseas Aid Fund.

Photography by Dr Amanda Thompson with permission to use these for information and fund raising purposes.

Microfinance farming project and village consultation