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<p>Located on the outskirts of Mbale town, the slum of Namatala has a population of over 20,000 people who live on an average of 1,000 shillings (roughly 30 cents) a day. With a high population, extremely low incomes, and a number of uneducated adults, Namatala faces high infection rates, extreme discrimination, and a severe lack of access to HIV/AIDS resources in order to get out of this negative cycle.<br></p>
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<p>In July of 2012, a free HIV testing day was conducted in Namatala. Many attended the testing day, however, there was no follow up counseling, support or services offered for the many who tested positive. Community leaders and individuals in Namatala came together with an overall goal to provide HIV support and services specifically for the community of Namatala. This is when HIV/AIDS Support Network - Namatala began.</p>
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