ICOD Action Network and Lyantonde Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS to adopt aJoint HIV/AIDS Action Plan

Lyantonde Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS is a association of people who have publically confessed being HIV positive. The association is comprised of over 60 members who come from all the 6 sub counties of Lyantonde District. The Network of PLHAs has been working ICOD Action Network and Project Focus since 2007 when the latter implemented an Art Therapy project in Southwestern Uganda which finally led to the establishment of Lyantonde Internet Center where members of the Network are being trained in ICT and taking part in the Lyantonde information sharing program. The PLHAs Network implements many activities among which include raising community awareness on HIV/AIDS spread and prevention, condom use, male circumcision, training members on positive living and savings and credit and also offers post-infection counseling to members and their families.ICOD Action Network and Lyantonde Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS began discussions on adopting a Joint HIV/AIDS Action Plan. Adopting of a Joint Action Plan will help both organization's achieve HIV/AIDS goals in a more sustainable and effective manner and reduce chances of duplication of activities by either organizations. The first meeting was held on June 1, 2011 at ICOD office in Lyantonde. Another meeting scheduled for June 7, 2011 will discus a draft Joint Action Plan and set goals for 2011.