Formerly Minnesota International Health Volunteers

Improving the health of women, children and their communities around the world.

WellShare International, with funding from President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) New Partners Initiative, just completed the first year of its Partnering for Positive Livelihoods Program (PPLP) in Mubende and Ssembabule Districts, Uganda.  Muron Ocakara Nicholas, the Chief Administrative Officer for Mubende District, already feels the project has been successful in its efforts to strengthen partnerships at the district level.  Such teamwork is seen in the linkages being created among faith- and community-based organizations (F/CBOs), key opinion leaders, and district officials to combat the scourge of HIV/AIDS in their communities.  Teamwork at this level cannot be underestimated when fighting against HIV/AIDS. 

The first step in creating a strong district partnership was to create and execute a transparent, participatory subpartner selection process.  This process involved a detailed protocol that included a standardized checklist and the sitting of a selection committee that convened key district officials and local NGO forum representatives; project management participated in the process as observers.  Through this participation, district officials felt invested in and ownership of the project’s future successes.  They also recognized the potential for long-term sustainability of project efforts when partnering with the right F/CBO partners.  With the joint efforts of the district and MIHV, and the desire for local change, F/CBOs will take the lead on implementing care and support activities to people living with HIV/AIDS and orphans and vulnerable children under PPLP.  Buy-in from key district leaders and implementation through F/CBO partners engenders trust in the community.

Public health is a team effort. The health of these rural communities depends on the commitment, determination, and drive of both the district and faith- and community-based organizations. HIV/AIDS can be reduced in Mubende District with this team-oriented approach. Without district leadership, sustainability is impossible for grassroots, community-focused organizations.  Mr. Ocakara speaks for the district when he talks brightly about the future, “We are looking forward to continuous partnerships with these F/CBOs even after (WellShare) has left,”  he says.