Following the tour of JCRC, five members of our delegation visited Masaka District — known as the home of HIV/AIDS in Uganda (and possibly Africa). HIV/AIDS was recognized in Masaka in 1982 and, at that time it was known as “slim” disease because of the striking wasting effect caused by HIV. In 2002, 6,709 people were living with AIDS in Masaka District.

When we arrived in Masaka, we were met by Vincent S. Sempitia, Chairman of the Masaka District who provided our group with an overview of the area and told us of his experience as a political leader responding to “slim” disease. Mr. Sempitia told our group that people had been dying from AIDS at such a rapid pace that coffins used to be sold at every shop along the road. He said a day did not go by when he was not attending a funeral. He said people felt there was no hope. And then the drugs came to Masaka —and people started to get better. The coffins went to the back rooms of the shops and people started to believe things might be changing. Mr. Sempitia told us of the multi-sectored collaboration which has developed into a community led HIV/AIDS Initiative (CHAI). Begun in 2001 as part of the Ugandan HIV/AIDS Control project, the Masaka CHAI has been able to develop an integrated District level workplan involving key sectors and NGOs. Additionally, through “Uganda Cares,” a district initiative for people living with HIV/AIDS, AIDS Healthcare Foundation has helped to establish and fund a clinic in order to provide ARVs in Masaka. At the clinic, our delegation met some of the clients who have received treatment. They told us of the changes to the community before ARV came and now after.

Following our briefing, Mr. Sempitia accompanied us to AIDCHILD, an orphanage operated under the direction of Nathaniel Dunigan and supported by funds from USAID, Mr. Dunigan told us about the clinic established by AHF. Masaka is approximately 90 miles from Kampala—yet it has developed a fairly sophisticated district level system of care and services for people impacted by HIV/AIDS. After our visit to the orphanage, we went to Uganda Cares and were briefed by the clinical team there who told us of the miracle of ARVs. Outside the clinic were patients on ARVs and their families who came to tell us how important the clinic was and how ARVs had started to bring hope and life back to Masaka. As part of the local AIDS Education and Awareness program, our delegation met and were entertained by the White Angels. The White Angels is a group of young people who have been impacted by AIDS and HIV who perform dramatic interpretations about living with HIV/AIDS.