Today, we visited TASO, The Aids Support Organization. At TASO we heard about the history of the organization and the different clinical, counseling, social, and teaching programs available for the surrounding community. We also met Herriot, a woman with HIV who uses her diagnosis to help other women with HIV by selling crafts at TASO. The profits from the craft shop go to the Mulago Positive Women's Network.
I thought it was great to see the strides that Uganda has made in the fight against HIV/ AIDS. With the government providing free medication and TASO's support systems, they are reducing the stigma that can be associated with HIV.
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It was really cool to see all of the great work that TASO does, they help a ton of people and do so much good. One of the most interesting things I learned today was hearing that TASO has a 95 percent retention rate. It is awesome to hear that people really appreciate what they do and actually utilize the amazing services that they offer. It was also pretty cool to hear Herriot's story, they are basically providing jobs for women by helping sell the crafts that they make. All of the money goes back to them. It is an amazing organization and I was really impressed to learn about all that they do.
ReplyDeleteIt was really cool to see all of the great work that TASO does, they help a ton of people and do so much good. One of the most interesting things I learned today was hearing that TASO has a 95 percent retention rate. It is awesome to hear that people really appreciate what they do and actually utilize the amazing services that they offer. It was also pretty cool to hear Herriot's story, they are basically providing jobs for women by helping sell the crafts that they make. All of the money goes back to them. It is an amazing organization and I was really impressed to learn about all that they do.
ReplyDeleteTASO is definitely an organization that has had a huge impact on not only Uganda itself, but also the fight against AIDS. From the preventative strategies they express and teach every day, the percentages of those infected with the virus have gone down significantly. I agree with Alexis that it was cool hearing Herriot's story. She is a woman that has helped educate others about HIV/AIDS, and the work she does has made a huge impact.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree, it was such a great organization and the retention rate is impressive. Another thing that I was glad to see was how supportive they were to victims of HIV/AIDS who were also gay/trans/bi etc. Not only were they willing to serve them, but on the tour around the organization I saw several signs giving information about support groups, and suicide hotline phone numbers specifically for people struggling with heterosexism and isolation. It seemed to me that TASO was much more supportive than Reach Out.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Alexis, it was wonderful hearing Herriot's story. I think having someone who has been living with HIV for many years put things into perspective for us. I was talking to one of the workers at TASO and she said, "always treat your patients with kindness and great care." She had said this because she tested positive for HIV many years ago, received treatment and it is under control. She concluded her comment, "because if the doctors wouldn't have helped me I would be here and I wouldn't have two successful kids- one is a lawyer and the other a doctor." TASO is doing great things to change the negative stigma and hopefully one day they will substantially reduce the number of people who have HIV/AIDS.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rory, it was amazing that they were so supportive of not straight peoples in a country that has such a negative view of them. It is people like these that can change the stereotypes of gays AND HIV/AIDS. I think that if TASO was able to touch 200,000+ in such a short amount of time it can help even more in the future.
ReplyDeleteTASO is a great organization in Uganda. TASO contributes to sustainable development because it allows the current generation to be aware of their health and future ones too! My experience at TASO was very educational as it allowed me to understand how the company has grown to more than 100,000 clients. TASO provides families with counseling and helps patients live with a positive outlook on life.
ReplyDeleteFrom my observations TASO is a great organization that has done a lot for those affected by HIV/AIDS. I think one of my favorite parts of the organization was that they use a holistic treatment approach. Although clearly testing and providing medical and drug treatment is crucial, other factors are also important. They not only administer ARV's to patients and give them healthcare, but they also provide social services. When a person is living with HIV it not only affects them, but also those around them. By providing counseling, child care, and doing home visits, TASO is helping people affected by this virus to live their lives. I think it is amazing how they treat all types of people and are working to combat the negative stigma towards those with HIV. TASO provides a lot of help for the communities in which their centers are located and I hope that their organization continues to grow.
ReplyDeleteIt was truly refreshing to see that even in a country where homosexuals are openly prosecuted that there are still organizations that are still giving them equal treatment and respect as there heterosexual counterparts. I also thought it was fantastic that they actually went to the families of those affected with AIDS to explain to them what it is really going on and try to fight the stereotypes so they can have a healthy environment.
ReplyDelete