WE-ACTx works in partnership with the Rwandan government and its 24 partner associations to support a number of different programs in Rwanda. Rwanda programs include:CLINICAL SERVICES:

Voluntary Counseling and Testing:

WE-ACTx began its VCT program in September 2005. We now have a stationary and 3 mobile VCT teams in Kigali and greater Kigali, each staffed by a 3-4 counselors and a lab technician. We now provide VCT to ~1300 people a month in a family-centered model. HIV-positive individuals are referred immediately for medical evaluation at WE-ACTx’s or partner NGO clinics for rapid entry into care. Currently 100% of children and ~90% of HIV-positive adults are in care.

HIV Care and Treatment:

WE-ACTx operates two clinics in Kigali that offer a comprehensive medical service, free of charge. To date, we have ~ 4000 patients. Approximately one-third of patients require ARV treatment, and 70% of patients receive prophylaxis HIV treatment. WE-ACTx is now working with the Rwandan government to help upgrade public health sites.

Family Program/Pediatric Care:

KidsWE-ACTx provides a comprehensive continuum of care to HIV infected children and their families through an integrated medical and psychosocial service delivery model, informed by the partner associations. Care will begin with VCT, continue at the WE-ACTx clinical sites, and include home visits, social needs assessment, educational support groups, emotional counseling, permanency planning, and assessment and enhancement of the community understanding of families affected by HIV.

National Cervical Cancer Screening Program:

WE-ACTx is collaborating with the Rwandan Women’s Medical Association, Ministry of Health and partner NGOs to develop a national cervical cancer screening program.

RESEARCH

The Rwanda Women’s Inter-Association Study (RWISA):

WE-ACTx initiated a research program - the Rwanda Women’s Inter-Association Study and Assessment (RWISA) - in 2004 to study HIV in Rwandan women, in collaboration with Rwandan investigators and NGOs. RWISA is a longitudinal cohort study that is following ~1000 Rwandan women, including over 50% who are survivors of genocidal rape. It will assess the impact of HIV disease and treatment, trauma and nutrition on their health. RWISA is funded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) is a sister study to the 13-year US Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS). RWISA developed a cell-separation lab and a specimen repository in collaboration with the National Reference Lab in Rwanda. RWISA is revising and expanding the nutritional investigations in RWISA in collaboration with the Rwandan government, World Food Program and groups involved in nutrition. We work with the National Bureau of Statistics to develop Rwandan capacity in data management and analysis. For a more detailed description of RWISA’s history click here.

NON-CLINICAL SERVICES:

Supplemental Nutrition:

WE-ACTx offers supplemental nutrition, provided by the World Food Program, to patients taking ARVs, and nutrition education. WE-ACTx collects data on the benefits of supplemental nutrition in these patients. To date, over 700 patients are enrolled. After 6-9 months they are referred into income-generation programs that can provide a sustainable source of income to purchase food.

Income Generation:

WE-ACTx started small income-generating projects for our ARV patients, including a sewing and crafts cooperative, who make dolls, crafts and products for sale. We work with Heifer International to help our partner NGOs develop livestock and gardening programs.

Peer Education/ Training of Trainers:

WE-ACTx has established a community HIV Training of Trainer program and Peer Education program. Our new “A Healthy Life with HIV - A Community ToolKit” is a family-oriented course recently selected to become a national curriculum.

Community Legal AID Training:

WE-ACTx has piloted a community Legal AID Training for paralegals and community advocates around on HIV/AIDS and the Law, and on sexual violence.