In Owoor Sub-County, an elderly man living with HIV had been battling his condition alone. With little support from his family, he often went days without proper meals and lived in unhygienic conditions. Overwhelmed and discouraged, he eventually stopped taking his antiretroviral medication.

During our routine home visits, we sat with him and his family for honest conversations about care, responsibility, and why staying on treatment matters. Bit by bit, the family stepped up. They began preparing his meals, cleaning his living space, and reminding him to take his medication.

On our latest visit, the change was striking. His health had improved, his energy was back, and his outlook had shifted from despair to hope.

His journey shows how steady follow-up and genuine family involvement can restore dignity and transform the lives of people living with HIV.

Compiled by Andrew Simbo, Executive Director, Keru Women’s Action ORUM-KWAF-Gulu

The Early Childhood Development Organisation (ECDO) has been working with the Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD) to build stronger community systems, improve programme delivery, and expand access to essential health services. The work focuses on HIV prevention and testing, malaria prevention, TB response, and community referrals – all anchored in the theme: Improving Maternal and Child Health, Malaria, HIV, and TB Prevention in Bardege-Layibi Division, Gulu City.

This partnership is supported through the Global Fund’s health systems strengthening mechanism, implemented by TASO Uganda as the Principal Recipient (PR2) and CEHURD as the Sub-recipient (SR). Through this arrangement, ECDO has received both technical and financial support, especially through mentorship sessions on planning, implementation, financial management, reporting, and running effective community dialogues, referrals, and outreaches.

Between April and September, ECDO organized more than ten community health outreaches with the support of Alokolum HC II, Oitino HC II, and Bardege HC III. These health facilities provided trained staff, testing kits, and essential medicines, allowing successful outreach activities in Katikati, Abuga, St. Daniel, Oitino, and Cuk Lanebi villages.

More than 1,500 people received vital health services right in their communities. Each outreach drew an average of 128 participants, and more than half of all households in the targeted villages took part. That level of turnout shows how community trust in local health services is growing.

A major highlight was the increase in maternal health service uptake. Over 200 women, most of them aged 20 to 24, received antenatal care. Malaria, which accounted for 28 percent of all recorded cases, was tackled head-on through health education and timely treatment.

This progress is the result of many hands working together. The leadership of Bardege-Layibi Division, including the Community Health Officer, Community Development Officer, and Town Clerk, provided steady guidance. Health facilities such as Alokolum HC II, Oitino HC II, and Bardege HC III supplied medical staff and essential supplies. CEHURD’s mentorship, both in person and online, strengthened ECDO’s systems, leaving the organisation better prepared to manage larger projects and deliver sustainable community programmes.

Village Health Teams (VHTs) and Local Council leaders played a huge role in mobilising residents house-to-house, while families across the villages opened their compounds to host the outreach sessions. Because of this collective spirit, entire communities became hubs of learning, care, and support.

Impact Beyond Numbers

The value of these outreaches goes far beyond the statistics. They brought health workers and communities closer, built trust, encouraged accountability, and nurtured a stronger sense of shared responsibility for health. The conversations, education, and follow-up support are already shaping healthier habits and deeper awareness across Bardege-Layibi Division.

ECDO and its partners look forward to growing this work and reaching even more families. Donors, government agencies, and community leaders have a key role to play in keeping these outreach efforts alive. When support continues, access improves, and communities thrive. A healthier, better-informed, and more resilient Northern Uganda is within reach – and it starts with partnerships just like this one.

By Emmanuel Bongomin (ECDO)