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Abstract
Income generating activities (IGA) in caring for destitute families affected by HIV/AIDS in Rwanda
D. Ndayisaba1, J.-M. Foëx2, A. Haag3
1FXB Rwanda, HIV/AIDS Programs, Kigali, Rwanda, 2FXB International, HIV/AIDS Programs, Kigali, Rwanda, 3FXB International, HIV/AIDS Program, New York, United States
Issues: In Rwanda, 18% of the population is affected by HIV/AIDS. Many households are headed by widows with five dependants or more, including their own children and Children Orphaned by AIDS (usualy from their extended families). The earnings of these widows are not sufficient to meet the family´s needs: food is lacking, treatment cannot be ensured and children cannot access education. Since 2000, FXB has been implementing programs to help 640 destitute families meet their basic needs and provide them with the resources that will enable them to gradually care for their families.
Description: All beneficiaries are provided with a comprehensive package of services, including awareness-raising sessions, children´s schooling, voluntary counseling and testing services, access to treatment and nutritional support. Depending on their experience and area of residency, families prepare and run projects in order to get incomes that allow them to meet their daily needs and to save money. This investment in community development is a pillar of the beneficiary´s well-being and self-sufficiency in the long run.
Lessons learned: After 3 years, thanks to the IGA: 100% of families have access to adequate food, 100% of the beneficiaries have improved their quality of life, 85% are above the poverty line and keep a bank account, 90% participate easily to school and medical fees, 28% manage to access the micro finance scheme, 100% of children attend school regularly and are successful in their studies.
Recommendations: IGA should be part of each support program to HIV/AIDS impoverished population in order to mitigate poverty and improve HIV/AIDS affected families´ quality of life.
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