What is SECCODA

• SSECODA is Ssese community development association implementing a UHMG funded HIV/AIDS prevention among others like vocational training, solar energy demonstration and ecological sanitation. 

• SECCODA’s HIV prevention project is a one year project ,running from March to September 2012.

• It’s implemented in collaboration with Beach managements units, local leaders and district authorities in 4 districts of Kalangala, Wakiso Mpigi and Masaka

Partners in implementation

• Peer educators trained by SSECODA in conjunction with UHMG having been recommended by local councils and Beach management units (BMUs).

• Beach management units in all in 19 landing sites.

• Health workers from both private and government facilities.

• District local governments as well as sub county authorities.

• Other CBOS and NGOS in the same field i.e. AMREF, SHED, KAFOPHAN, Redcross Kalangala Branch.

PROJECT GOAL

• The major goal is to provide HIV prevention community interventions to reduce HIV infection among the fisher folks through linkages and referrals, interpersonal communication, raising demand for safe male circumcision, positive prevention services and promoting good life products.

CORE ACTIVITIES

• Conducting community interpersonal communication among fisherfolk “this is carried out using a trained team of peer educators.

• Interpersonal communication among commercial sex workers (CSWS). Services among CSW include awareness on use of condoms, modern family planning, referral from HCT/ STI treatment.

• Integrating education about Gender Based Violence and alcoholism leading to behavior change and attitude.

• Promotion of consistent use of condoms as means of preventing HIV infection among CSWs and their clients.

• Increasing access to HCT services by both the fisher folks and CSWs. This is both carried out with support from district health officers and sub county health centres, e.g Katabi S/C HCII, Mugoye S/C HCIII etc.

• Provision of positive prevention services these include support for Art clinic at sub county level, HCT, limited care and support to PHAS.

• Referrals for STI treatment , family planning services and safe male circumcision.

• Carrying out advocacy with leaders at both sub county and district levels.

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS:

• BMUs brought on board. 

• Incorporation of SSECODA’s work plan in the sub county strategic planning. 

• Establishment of HCT outreach centers in different landing sites.

• Referral networks for HIV/AIDS and STIs initiated

• Sub county Aids Committees inaugurated and trained as well as development of HIV work plan.

• Outlets for condoms established.

• Income generation activities among CSWs established, i.e. Crafts.

• Information data base established in Kalangala at SSECODA.

• HIV/AIDS implementation activities with other related NGOs and service providers to avoid duplication of work

• Increased participation of stake holders involved in implementing different HIV/AIDS prevention activities.

LESSONS LEARNT

• Being a both hard to reach and hard to stay area, health centers are very far from landing sites hence difficult to reach for CD4, ARVs, or HCT services have to be taken to the people at landing sites.

• Greater involvement of stakeholders in the project is key to its success like local and religious leaders

• When a project addresses the specific unique characteristics of the fisher folk and physical environment it realizes its objectives.

• Much as female appreciate goodlife products like moonbeads regular sensitization and involvement of male partners is challenges.

• A lot of effort should address positive preventive care to those who have tested positive, this should be through, transport for ART clinic, and CD4 count.

SUCCESS STORIES

• From the Art clinic where before SSECODA’s partnership in the sub county very few PHAs were accessing the Art clinic the numbers have now swelled for example 62 PHAs were involved in May, 94 in June, 120 in July 2012.

• The initiation of the sub county Aids committee has led to improved coordination among CSOs related with HIV/AIDs. i.e. originally organization under HIV/ AIDs worked in isolation on HCT, prevention safe male circumcision , etc but now there is a comprehensive approach, with emphasis on specificity of each organization, in away to avoid duplication.

INNOVATIVE APPROACHES

• Economic strengthening of the fisher folk and CSWs through vocational training and skilling.

• Information gathering and dissemination to fisher folk and CSWs through radio talk shows,spot messages and simplified local languages.

• Regular following up of fisher folk and CSWs through the safe sailing boat that delivers messages, good life products, as well as transporting peer educators.

PRESENT CHALLENGES AND INNOVATIONS USED TO OVERCOME THEM

Capacity building of staff as well as service expansion to other areas.

• Meeting increased demand for especially positive prevention services.

• Managing local stakeholders especially district and sub county leaders to their satisfaction.

• Drug stock outs and test kit shortages, affects service delivery.

• Geographical and physical barriers in the project areas.

• Constant breakdown in CD4 count machines

WAYFORWARD

• Strengthening and consolidating what exists, i.e. HCT outreaches, condom outlets and partnerships.

• Improve quality of services delivered, through capacity building of staff and peer educators.

• Link providers through HIV/AIDS referral networks established.

• Monitor and review programs regularly

• Support the process and players to promote sustainability of existing programs.

OUR CONTACTS:

SSESE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENNT ASSOCIATION

P.O Box 28 Kalangala Tel : 077250590,039242429

Email : ssecoda@yahoo.com

Website: www.ssecoda.org