Rubanda Solidarity: International HIV/AIDS Day festivities @ Ikumba Subcounty 2013

The photos are children from various school in Ikumba subcounty in Rubanda matching at Ikumba subcounty headquarters to mark the International HIV/AIDS awareness Day.

Rubanda's experience of HIV/AIDS virus goes as far back as from the 1990s. There is almost no person in the community left unaffected. Each one has a personal story to tell. Losing a parent or both of them, a relative or a friend is an experience that fills the air. Hence, its the duty of the community and the government to keep fighting together its stigma and educating the masses especially young generations that the virus is not a disease and story of the past to be forgotten. The fight continues.

The message is that HIV/AIDS virus is still alive and needs renewed efforts until its all eradicated. However long it may take our efforts should never tire.The Virus's impact has been disastrous to Rubanda community. It has broken the social fabric of the community by destroying families, turning many children orphans, imposing to children parental responsibilities to their siblings at a tender age, weakened labor force, reduced food production and left many families hungry . The number of mothers left behind alone as widows to wage the war and feed families by themselves is at an alarming state. Its a tragedy being silently forgotten. Something must be done.

Thanks to the government of Uganda and the NGOs and religious bodies trying to keep tracking and promoting new initiatives and efforts. And Rubanda Solidarity is proud of being part of this struggle to continue to confirm its founding mission statement to promote community development and improve living standards. Please be part of us through these pictures posted below.