Kalangala District – Mwena, Lutoboka, Kalangala Pentescostal Church & Bumanji Primary School

There are currently 34 million HIV-positive people worldwide, 69% of whom are in Sub-Saharan Africa (United Nations). The town of Kalangala, located in the Ssese Islands, has the highest percentage of HIV infection in Uganda. It is estimated that 18% of the population is HIV positive, compared to 7.3% nationally (United Nations AIDS Commission).

We partner with the Mercury Phoenix Trust to deliver a comprehensive Music & Life-Skills training and HIV/AIDS awareness programme for disadvantaged children and young people in the area. Through weekly training sessions and a partnership with the District Health Office, we have been able to make a significant contribution towards the goal of an AIDS-free generation and the reduction of stigma associated with the condition. Health Clubs take place in conjunction with the music sessions, with the objective of creating Health Ambassadors amongst the community. Brass for Africa’s latest monitoring and evaluation process has confirmed an increased knowledge of HIV/AIDS amongst the young people from 50% to 72%, and reduced the stigma of those living with HIV/AIDS from 34% to an impressive 18%.

By engaging beneficiaries and their communities on a weekly basis, mindsets have been changed, and informed supportive communities of young people in schools, landing sites and bands have been created. We have also demonstrated the possibilities of using music, life-skills and social interventions to reverse the cultural beliefs and effects of the disease.