Rwandan self-help group grows apace
Global AIDSnews the newsletter of the World Health Organization Global Programme on AIDS 1993(3): 8
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 1020-007X PMID: 12287380 Document Number: 341899
Donald de Gagne' is a Canadian who was diagnosed with AIDS in January 1988. He was interviewed in a previous issue of global AIDSnews for his role in helping to launch a self-support group for people with AIDS in Kigali, Rwanda. The publication has now published excerpts of a correspondence sent from the managing committee of the group in response to the interview. The group was formed in January 1992 with the primary goal of fighting against the psychosocial alienation felt by HIV-infected people in Rwanda. The group became known as the Rwandan Mirror of Health Association (ARMS) on March 21, 1992. The initial group membership expanded rapidly to include 120 members by April 1993. Membership consists of individuals from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds even though most members are low-income residents of Kigali. ARMS has not yet finished the paperwork necessary to become legally recognized by the government, but has nonetheless initiated training and information activities by its members. The population of Rwanda is beginning is destigmatize people with AIDS. ARMS representatives have attended international forums and conferences, while the organization has hosted journalists and other interested professionals. The group exists upon funds from the Norwegian Red Cross in Rwanda through Info-SIDA even though it would like to bring in 1000 Rwanda francs annually per member; microeconomic constraints will make this latter objective difficult to realize. ARMS' wish list includes a multipurpose facility in which to hold meetings and accommodate the office of a permanent secretariat along with a small store of drugs to treat minor AIDS-related infections. The group also needs operating funds for the permanent secretariat and funds for a study to determine the cost of meeting these needs. ARMS thanks all in advance who may render tangible assistance.