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<p>All of our Beneficiaries are inhabitants of the Namatala Slum. Our beneficers, amongst other inhabitants of the slum, live on an average of 1,000 shillings (roughly 30 cents) a day. The homes within this slum are composed of mainly round huts made of mud and thatched roofs. There are some bigger rectangular mud houses, but those are sub-divided into rooms so that one family (usually 6-10 persons) occupies a space the size of a small village kitchen. Like other slums in Uganda, Namatala is inhabited by poor families who have nowhere else to live. It is a squalid area with waste material everywhere, and dirt streets that are narrow and bumpy. The living conditions are deplorable, with landlords failing to maintain the home structures. With sanitation standards that are wanting, the stench of human waste fills the air. It has a combination of inhabitants, including Acholi, Karimojong, Bagisu, Basoga, Bagwere, Iteso, among other tribal members. Many have chosen to settle here due to drought, in search of employment, civil unrest, amongst other reasons.&nbsp;<br></p>
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<p>All of our beneficiaries are HIV+, of which over 90% are mothers. Most of the women whom we support are either widowed or separated as a result of HIV. For those whom are widowed, most often their respective husbands have passed away due to AIDS as they have refused treatment due to the fear of being stigmatized. As for those whom are separated, their husbands have abandoned them with their children due to a diversity of issues- but often relating to HIV. Due to financial instability, these women often look to get re-married or pursue other relationships. The vast majority of their husbands are abusive mentally, physically, and emotionally. However, with the desire to continue supporting their children and paying their children’s school fees, these women often compensate for their own health and well-being.&nbsp;<br></p>
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<p>Those of whom are HIV+ are faced with enormous stigma and are looked down upon not only in the slum, but in Mbale at large. Due to lack of testing, many HIV+ persons are unaware of their status, and only come to realize it when it is too late (ie. they’ve acquired AIDS). In other cases, those who are aware of their status refuse to take the antiretroviral drug therapy due to fear of such status being known (ie. by being sighted at drug dispensaries, or even by family in their own homes)l. Upon diagnosis, some refuse to believe the results and continue their lives untreated until their soon passing. Others refuse to take their drugs in fear of word being known of their status. There are many cases, due to the absence of post-testing counselling, that HIV+ persons choose to take their own lives.</p>
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