WALIPO at a glance

WALIPO
Women in Arumeru Living Positive

HIV Resource Centre for Women

Background
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an epidemic which affects over 41 million people worldwide. Twenty-three million of these cases are in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease has enormous and devastating consequences socially, economically and politically. There is a particularly high infection rate in Usa River due to poverty, ignorance about the disease and negligence.

WALIPO is a community organisation which emerged out of a need for information and resources for the many women silently struggling with HIV. The non-governmental group was formed in February 2008 by fifteen local women living positive. The aims of the group are to empower women through sustainable projects and to support the local community.

Projects

Orphan Centre
The orphan centre looks after a group of local orphans who meet at the centre five mornings a week, where they get a meal, literacy and numeracy training and the freedom to play in a safe environment.

Sewing project
The centre provides tailoring training to local orphan girls to empower them and provide them with employable skills. This allows them to break free from the cycle of poverty and earn an income.

Nutrition Centre
Adequate nutrition is essential for people living with HIV. Nutrition seminars provide education about the importance of good nutrition and provides basic food supplies.

Poultry Project
The poultry project provides an income for the group and allows money to be put back into the centre. This enables the project to be self-sufficient.

Vegetable Garden
The WALIPO women have been trained in sustainable vegetable production and cultivation. The garden provides fresh food for the nutrition store and for group members.

Outreach program
WALIPO women have been trained as community counsellors, who visit a network of people living with HIV in their homes. These patients would otherwise be suffering alone, and the counsellors provide much needed support and assistance.

Important events

Onsite HIV testing
The centre provides regular HV testing days where local people can test their health in a safe and confidential environment.

Nutrition seminar
Seminars on nutrition education provide people with an understanding of the importance of nutrition and how to maintain a healthy diet.

HIV seminar
HIV awareness and education is the first line of defence against stopping the disease spreading and preventing stigma. Monthly seminars provide information about ways of prevention, transmission and reducing stigma.

Dates to be advertised. Contact WALPO for details.

How you can help
WALIPO is self sufficient to a small extent, but largely relies on financial support. If you are interested in donating, please contact TAMIHA for more information.

How WALIPO can help you
The centre provides assistance to those living with HIV. It is a community resource centre where anyone can drop in and get help and support.

Contact details:
WALIPO
Ngarasero St
Legunga, Usa River
Tanzania

Postal address:
Tanzanian Millennium Hand Foundation
(TAMIHA)
P.O Box 541, Usa River,
Arusha, Tanzania
Email: tamiha06@yahoo.com