A. Caring for HIV Positive People (CHIVPP)
In the month of March, Friends Women's Association (FWA) and its Ntaseka Clinic continued providing medical follow-up and home visits for HIV positive people. The program ensures that all patients receive consistent care, medication adherence support, and nutritional guidance to maintain their health and well-being.
Key Achievement
330 HIV+ patients under active care and treatment at Ntaseka Clinic, with ongoing medical follow-up and home visits to ensure medication adherence and well-being across all enrolled patients.
B. Maternity Ward Building
Ntaseka Clinic's Maternity Ward supplies baby delivery services and care needed for pregnant women, new mothers and newborn babies. In the month of March, two babies were born at Ntaseka clinic, bringing new hope and joy to families in the Kamenge community.
Although the Clinic's maternity ward still needs some medical equipment, hospitalization services are functional. The maternity ward remains a vital resource for women in the Kamenge community and beyond, providing essential maternal healthcare services.
C. Improving Women's Reproductive Health (IWRH)
FWA staff and FWA community health workers continued educating both men and women on the importance of family planning. On March 28, 2026, there was one educational session on sexual and reproductive health for young girls at Ntaseka clinic.
The session focused on empowering young women with knowledge about their reproductive health, family planning options, and the importance of making informed decisions about their bodies and futures.
Impact: 281 people received contraceptives from FWA's nurse in March, supporting family planning and reproductive health across the community.
D. Rape Survivors' Support (RSS)
The Rape Survivors' Support (RSS) program of the Friends Women's Association currently has established 79 Self-Help Groups. In March, 3 SHGs made a sharing, demonstrating the growing financial discipline and community solidarity among members.
1. Self-Help Group Evaluation
| Indicator | Number of SHGs | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Total Money Saved | 3 | 14,000,000 BIF |
| Total Credit Granted | 3 | 15,200,000 BIF |
| Total Interest | 3 | 7,100,000 BIF |
| People Who Didn't Pay | 3 | 0 |
| Total Money Not Refunded | 3 | 0 |
2. SHG Classification
E. Street Business School (SBS)
During the month of March, SBS training sessions focused on the 8th promotion of participants, covering three key modules to strengthen their entrepreneurship skills. The Street Business School continues to empower women with practical business knowledge and financial literacy.
Module 1: Discovering Your Potential
Participants explore their strengths, passions, and business ideas. The module builds confidence and helps women identify viable income-generating opportunities. "Every woman has the potential to succeed in business."
Module 2: Money Management
Understanding the difference between business money and personal money, tracking income and expenses daily, saving regularly, and controlling spending. "Money well managed leads to a strong and sustainable business."
Module 3: Marketing
Identifying target customers, understanding customer needs and preferences, studying competitors and prices, and choosing products or services that are in demand. "A good business starts with knowing your market."
F. Trauma Healing Workshop
March was a significant month for trauma healing, with two separate three-day workshops conducted:
Maramvya Workshop (March 23-25)
A three-day trauma healing workshop was held in Maramvya for GBV survivors, providing a safe space for healing, sharing experiences, and learning coping strategies. Facilitators were Grace Horanimana and Gisele Misago.
Musenyi Refugee Camp Workshop (March 24-26)
FWA extended its trauma healing services to Musenyi refugee camp, recognizing the unique psychological needs of displaced populations. This workshop brought healing and hope to survivors living in challenging conditions.
"Before attending the trauma healing workshop, I carried so much pain inside me. I felt alone and worthless. But during those three days, I learned that what happened to me was not my fault. I found strength in the other women's stories and realized I am not alone. Today, I feel free from the burden I have been carrying for years."
- A GBV survivor and participant in the Maramvya trauma healing workshop
G. FWA Annual General Assembly
On March 21, 2026, FWA held its Annual General Assembly, bringing together staff, partners, community health workers, and program beneficiaries to review the organization's achievements, challenges, and strategic direction.
The Assembly provided an opportunity to reflect on the year's progress, share success stories, and plan for future program expansions. Key topics included healthcare service delivery, economic empowerment outcomes, and the construction of the Women's Socio-Economic Empowerment Center.
The Annual General Assembly reinforced FWA's commitment to holistic community development through healthcare, economic empowerment, and gender justice advocacy.
H. Women's Socio-Economic Empowerment Center
The FWA has continued the construction of the Women's Socio Economic Empowerment Center (WSEEC). The aim of this project is to avail training rooms and a temporary safe shelter for gender-based violence survivors at the FWA headquarters.
Funding Progress
IMEDICAL TEAM
I.1. Consultations
I.2. Laboratory
In the month of March, apart from HIV voluntary testing, there were a total of 406 tests conducted at Ntaseka Clinic's laboratory.
| Test | Completed | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaria Test (G.E.) | 42 | 12 | 30 |
| Quick Malaria Test | 48 | 16 | 32 |
| Urine Test (ECBU) | 25 | 16 | 9 |
| Stool Test | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| Pregnancy Test | 38 | 13 | 25 |
| Typhoid Fever | 95 | 35 | 60 |
| Diabetes | 24 | 6 | 18 |
| Syphilis (RPR VDRL) | 11 | 2 | 9 |
| Complete Blood Count | 30 | 14 | 16 |
| Hepatitis B | 14 | 0 | 14 |
| Hepatitis C | 14 | 0 | 14 |
| Viral Load | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| CD4 Test | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Other Tests | 49 | 0 | 49 |
| Total | 406 | 125 | 281 |
I.3. Family Planning
During March, 281 people received contraceptives from FWA's nurse, including old cases and new ones seeking family planning services.
I.4. Prenatal Consultation (PNC)
In March, 61 women came for prenatal consultation (PNC), including those attending PNC 1, PNC 2, PNC 3, and PNC 4 sessions. Prenatal care is essential for monitoring the health of both mother and baby throughout pregnancy.