From 16km walks to 10-minute visits.
“I appreciate the efforts of our network in Ruhandagazi and the CLM monitor for making sure our leaders brought our medicines closer,” shared a 38-year-old woman living with HIV in Rwampara District. “These days, I never miss an appointment. It takes me just 10 minutes to walk to the facility and another 10 minutes back home to continue with my work. In the past, going to Bugamba felt like preparing for a long trip to my parents’ home — I had to leave very early and lose a whole day.”
In 2021, during routine clinic monitoring at Bugamba HC IV, CLM monitors observed that of the 797 clients enrolled in care, 156 were from Ruhandagazi Parish. Many of these clients voiced challenges with accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART), including long travel times and high transportation costs. On average, clients had to travel 16 kilometers round-trip to reach the facility — mostly on foot or by expensive motorcycle (boda bodas).
Read the full impact story: When Community Speaks Services Move _ART Now Closer for Ruhandagazi Residents
