COBAP (Community Based AIDS Programme) is a local response to HIV in one of the slum areas in Kampala West District. COBAP seeks to build the capacity of five slum communities in Kampala to enable them to address the effects of HIV and AIDS through the training of community volunteers, life skills education programmes and care and support to people living with HIV and orphans. They aim to do this by enabling young people to make positive life skills choices to reduce their vulnerability to HIV.
When it began in the early 1990s, COBAP struggled to mobilise the community. The community members stayed away from anything to do with COBAP, mainly because of the high levels of stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Later, however, sick people started coming forward. They received treatment for infections, counselling and regular visits. With time, the community response to COBAP grew rapidly and there is great appreciation for the organisations work. Their activities grew to include all the projects listed above, such as support for micro-credit and vocational skills training.
Main Activities:
COBAP’s work has four components:
- HIV/Aids care
- Youth intervention
- Childcare
- Community and church capacity building
Team activities may include:
- Assisting in school HIV/AIDS clubs
- Participating in art events
- Home visits to families with HIV and AIDS related problems
- Helping with skill development projects e.g. knitting, weaving, brick making, baking etc.
- Participate in the children’s centre activities e.g. bible studies, games, fun!