During the first cycle of the FACE AIDS/IMB Practical Empowerment Program here in Rwanda, chapter members work to develop and implement a project to address a health issue within their local communities. Last month, the FACE AIDS/IMB team spent a week conducting assessments of six of these projects. I had the opportunity to visit three separate projects in Kayonza district, one focused on addressing hygiene and sanitation issues, and two addressing childhood malnutrition. Here are a few photos from our week of assessments:

A young girl uses the new hand washing station provided to her family by FACE AIDS chapter members.

A "kitchen garden" like this one enables families to better meet their nutritional needs.

A young beneficiary of a FACE AIDS chapter health project in his family's new garden.

Cheers from Rwanda,

Ellie

*FACE AIDS is the youth program of PIH/IMB in Rwanda.

Hello from Rwanda!

My name is Ellie Deshaies, and I will be bringing you updates and stories from Rwanda for the next few weeks. Before I jump right in, allow me to explain a little bit about myself and how I came to be here.

I’m currently in my fifth and final year at Northeastern University in Boston, studying International Affairs with a particular interest (and minor) in Social Entrepreneurship. This summer, I was a member of the Ride Against AIDS team, an experience that encouraged me to seek further opportunities related to HIV/AIDS and global health. At Northeastern, the university’s cooperative education program allows students to complete “co-ops” (a fancy and misleading word for internships) in order to gain practical experience in their chosen field of study. When the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance to complete my third and final co-op in Rwanda. I arrived in September, and will be here until mid-December serving as a Programs and Communications Associate for PIH, or IMB (Inshuti Mu Buzima) as it is called in Rwanda.

A note of clarification: FACE AIDS’ work in Rwanda is a program of Partners In Health/Inshuti Mu Buzima, and supports IMB’s work with youth development activities. In my posts, you’ll see me refer to FACE AIDS/IMB programs. FACE AIDS is not an independent INGO in Rwanda, and all of our work in Rwanda is under the leadership and guidance of IMB, in support of their programming.

FACE AIDS in Rwanda: A Brief History

Let me begin with a little bit of history. In 2007, FACE AIDS was invited by Partners in Health to continue their work in Rwanda following the closing of the refugee camp in Zambia where the organization was founded. Initially, FACE AIDS’ support of IMB’s programs consisted of partnering with HIV associations to employ HIV-affected individuals in the country’s Eastern province, providing association members with access to savings, credit, and business training. It also included a youth forum organized around World AIDS Day. After two years of engaging HIV-affected youth in prevention and education activities, the idea for a model of community-based FACE AIDS/IMB youth chapters was born.

Over 1000 people showed up for an initial interest meeting for youth affected by HIV/AIDS. From this initial gathering, over 30 chapters were established in communities throughout the districts of Kayonza and Kirehe. Since 2010, these chapters have all worked to improve the health of their communities through the FACE AIDS/IMB model of Practical Empowerment, which unites leadership development and economic empowerment.

Currently, the IMB/FACE AIDS programming in Rwanda is centered on the 30+ community-based chapters. The HIV associations that were former partners were all transitioned to independence earlier this year. The team here in Rwanda is currently made up of two Program Managers, Eliza and Lilian; two Program Associates, Theophile and Jean Bosco; and for the next few months, me.

With Theo, Lilian, and our driver Alphonse

First Impressions from the Field

Soon after my arrival in September, I was able to accompany Theo, Bosco, and Lilian to the field for a Practical Empowerment training session with the Duhozanye chapter in the Kirehe district. After more than an hour’s drive from the town of Kirehe (during which our driver Alphonse expertly navigated many pothole-ridden, dusty roads), we arrived in Musaza. It was the second day of a two-day training designed to provide chapters with the basics of small business development and management. Topics covered by Bosco and Theo included saving, investing, and the importance of record keeping. Although I didn’t understand most of what was said because my Kinyarwanda is sorely lacking, it was inspiring to meet some of the chapter members and see the FACE AIDS/IMB team in action.

Site of the Practical Empowerment training in Musaza

Members of the Duhozanye FACE AIDS Chapter during the training

Please don’t hesitate to contact me at ellie@faceaids.org with content suggestions or questions about FACE AIDS/IMB’s work here in Rwanda.

Thanks for reading,

Ellie

Let’s start off with a fun fact: according to a sign at the National Air and Space Museum, the distance between Washington DC and Boston is roughly equal to the distance between Earth’s surface and the Hubble Space Telescope. Theoretically, if we could bike vertically, we could make it to Hubble in the same time it’d take us to get to Boston. Who knew?

Anyway, we weren’t supposed to arrive in DC until Friday night (day 54), but the weather was not willing to work with us. We drove directly into DC from Hancock, MD after thunderstorms and flash floods seriously threatened our safety. Thanks to our own lovely Alice, we secured last-minute housing in swanky Dupont Circle (thanks Mark and roommates!!) and spent the night sheltered from the storm. Before arriving at the house, I took one of the vans on a short driving tour of DC. It’s amazing how different all of the monuments and federal buildings look when they’re lit up at night.

We woke up early (for a rest day) on Friday and headed off to explore the area. Pat wanted to make up for missed mileage, so he headed up north for the day. A few others also stayed on their bikes to tour DC and Mount Vernon. Some of the bike paths and trails here are quite impressive!

I enjoyed my first rest day in DC on foot. I spent my senior spring interning in a Congressional office (DeGette, CO 1st district), so I’d really been looking forward to coming back. Lauren, Katie, Cacie and I started off our day at my favorite breakfast place, Pete’s Carry-Out. It’s popular with congressional staffers and apparently, also Capitol police – 2 officers were at the table next to us and joined us in a rousing rendition of Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain”. Totally brightened my morning. We spent the rest of the day perusing the Library of Congress, the Capitol, and a couple of Smithsonian museums.

Most of us reconvened before dinner in Silver Spring, MD, where Flannery’s aunt and uncle are hosting us. One group headed off to an event with the Stanford Alumni Association of Washington DC. Awesome reminder of where FACE AIDS began! As the night wore on, several of us spread out throughout the city to meet up with friends and enjoy the nightlife.

It’s pretty surreal that we’re on the Atlantic coast now. I feel like every other minute, I have to tell myself that we, as a team, actually ACTUALLY made it all the way from San Francisco. Even though DC isn’t our final destination, I finally feel confident in my ability to make it to Boston. I had had a lot of doubts before and during the ride since I wasn’t a cyclist before I applied. But now that we’ve made it this far, I feel only excitement about the final leg of our journey.

Valerie Zhao

A ride across America offers a unique lens to view the scenery, the cities, and the people that live within this country.  The communities–most recently Ohio towns that line the shores of Lake Eerie–change as quickly as the landscape.  Bryan, Freemont, and Sandusky have been our view of the Buckeye state; all are distinct, yet similar to the towns we have passed through thus far.

Today was a nice 100-mile journey out of Indiana into the wide new world of Ohio!  The road was nice, relatively flat with a nice shoulder, and with a solid Southwest wind we were able to make good time!  Van driver Augie unfortunately didn’t take a good look at the route beforehand, and set up his water stop on the wrong road… thankfully it was early enough that most riders didn’t notice!  Sydney, Nina and I had an interesting experience later this morning.  In eastern Indiana there is a population of Amish/Mennonite people, and we noticed that there was a groove running down the middle of the shoulder on the side of the road.  It took us a while to figure out that the groove was from the hooves of the horses pulling Amish buggies on the side of the road!  We also saw a rather cute sight: four Amish boys riding a buggy, pulling a gas-powered lawn mower!  As the day progressed, we took advantage of the flatter roads to test out our legs, and prepare for another “race” on the flatter roads ahead!  I’m really enjoying teaching people about my passion, and Sydney and Nina are always very receptive!

Today we rode in from Chicago to South Bend, Indiana. As wonderful our two rest days were in Chicago, it felt great to get back on the saddle. Yesterday, we were lucky enough to be announced at Wrigley Field before the Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals began. It was truly an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience. Bringing awareness to the battles of HIV/AIDS is critical, and we really appreciate the support from Tom Ricketts and the entire Cubs family! Winning by one point in the last inning, the game itself was absolutely thrilling. From the 18 of us across the country, it’s safe to say we will be Cubs fans for life!

Continuing to spread our mission, this morning, Augie, Sam, and I had the special opportunity to appear on ABC 7 news before leaving the city. Feel free to watch our interview here: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=8753446. The anchor asked us individually why we are doing the ride, but I only had time to give a brief answer on the air, so I would like to give more of an in-depth answer now.

Personally, I decided to do the ride for a number of reasons. My fascination for the disease began under a biological basis for the retrovirus HIV itself. I studied treatment research, specifically gene therapy my first quarter at Stanford. I got motivated by the fact that AIDS is treatable; it is preventable, and I fully believe it’s curable within our lifetimes. It’s inspiring that research is coming so close to a functional cure. However, then I began studying the social implications of the disease. I learned that 34 million people are living with AIDS, but millions of those are not receiving the treatment they need and deserve. A virus has no prejudice for whom it infects. I believe healthcare is a human right. If we have the resources available, we need to mobilize them instead of them being stifled by stigma and socioeconomic standing. I quickly joined the FACE AIDS chapter at my school and next year I will be a co-leader. We raise money for Partners in Health. Last year, every dollar fundraised went to a healthcare center in Rwanda. (Here is a link to short YouTube video if you’re interested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB-CahQrfAI ) Since then, I felt obligated to do more and embark on this cross-country bike ride to raise awareness, open a dialogue, and fight the stigma of this disease because everyone has the power to make a difference. I had no serious biking experience. In fact, I was incredibly scared of bike riding until last summer, but I know this cause is bigger than me. It’s a growing global movement for which I am blessed to take part in.

Overall, It felt incredible to have the amazing support from my home city. Growing up in a northern suburb of Chicago, I couldn’t have asked for a better visit back home!

I would have to say the ride through Indiana today was one of the most relaxing that I have ever enjoyed.  The citizens of Indiana are truly some of the kindest, safe drivers that I have been around thus far.  This was a much-needed change from some experiences I endured through coming into Chicago. In particular, a few other riders and myself were almost hit by a massive truck that approximately came within 6 inches of me while riding. It was such a relief to have every driver go around me today. It’s much appreciated! With wide shoulders, paved roads, luscious trees, wonderful strangers I met on the road, gracious hosts, and fantastic weather, today could not have been more perfect. What a fantastic welcoming to our final time zone!

All the best,

Gabi

On our first official day of the International RESULTS Conference, a young man shared with the other REAL Change participants that he was living with HIV.  Unlike so many, he said, he is on treatment and healthy.  At his young age, he has dedicated himself to advocating on behalf of those who aren’t so fortunate: the 28 million around the world who still don’t have access to treatment.

Two days later, at the opening ceremony for AIDS 2012, a woman from Nigeria and her daughter took the stage.  The mother, HIV positive and on treatment for fifteen years, thanked the United States for the programs this country has put into place that make it possible for her and others to receive treatment.  The daughter, HIV negative and thirteen, sent a similar thank you and requested that she not be “the lucky exception.”

There were more youth at the International RESULTS Conference this year than ever before.  Across the city at the International AIDS Conference, a group of students from around the country occupied the “Youth Pavilion” at the Global AIDS Village, lobbied on Capitol Hill and yesterday, in a march on Washington, took their concerns to the streets in the “We Can End AIDS” mobilization.  All of these events were testament to  the passion young people around the country have for fighting HIV/AIDS and the action they are willing to take on its behalf.  As a member of a youth movement, it was refreshing to be surrounded by so many other young people confident in their roles as change makers.

Even more refreshing, however, were the testimonies heard from young people like the REAL Change participant that spoke to us and thirteen-year-old Ebube Francis Taylor at the IAC opening ceremonies. These testimonies were courageous and gave me hope—hope that there exists a new breed of youth activists for HIV/AIDS.  These activists, on top of being tireless advocates, teachers, and mobilizers, openly talk about their statuses.  Whether positive or negative, they are willing to engage in open discussion about what their status means, the challenges they face, and the resources they need.  These activists add the stories that are too often missing from conversations on HIV/AIDS.  They give us the motivation to continue in this fight and actively break down the stigma that is still so detrimental in bringing this epidemic to an end.

FACE AIDSers have the potential to be “new activists”—the types of young people who not only fundraise and advocate for HIV/AIDS and health equity, but also create an environment in which young people can talk candidly about sex, drugs, disease, and injustice.  As this conversation becomes less and less about death and more and more about life, it is important that we continue to support those–especially our peers–living with HIV/AIDS.  A common suggestion of this week has been that we could be the generation to end AIDS.  As we do that, let’s remember that one of the most powerful things we can do is share our stories and listen to each other.

In Solidarity,

Lauren

Smoke surrounded the mountains above our tents as we camped for two days in Delta, Utah. We weren’t sure where the fires originated so we donned bandanas—not only were they fashionable, but great for filtering smoke. Thankfully we didn’t run into any fires or smoke, at least we were prepared.

A day of climbing, per usual, resulted in an impressive descent before we reached Provo. In the distance, dark grey clouds suggested rain, something not seen in days (both clouds and rain). Surely the grey masses had to be cumulonimbus rain clouds that as a Midwestern native I was very familiar with. A closer look made my trek bike and I—recently named Buckbeak—feel tiny against the shadows cast by what were incredible rock formations, not clouds. These were real mountains.

I took in the view and craned my neck up toward the snow topped peaks—a setting that rivaled the grandiose mountain scenes from Lord of the Rings. My unease that set in when I realized I would bike over these mountains echoed Frodo’s uncertainty that surrounded his trip to Mordor. Tiny bikers, Hobbits if you will, were going to wrestle the beast, with or without a ring to destroy.

Thankfully Frodo had some companions to help him along the way, who could forget the noble Samwise Gamgee? It’s a good thing companionship took place during that journey through Middle Earth; orks and other dark obstacles sat in front of these Hobbits. It wasn’t called the Fellowship of the Ring for nothing. Had the road been straight and easy, though, J.R.R. Tolkien might have never sold a book and Sam’s inability to talk to women never appreciated.

The hobbits quickly realized that they weren’t in the Shire anymore. Orks blazed by—some were on four wheels, the heavier beasts on sixteen—and threatened to send the Fellowship into the ditch. With little shoulder on the main road, the short statured heros hugged close to the roadside. Some of the gruesome creatures deliberately blew thick smog in the hobbit’s eyes which only added to the smoke filled sky, smoke from the fires in the nearby land of Colorado. Much honking was involved (who knew orks had horns?) with the hobbits waving cheerfully back to speedy creatures.

Here is a quick road map the last few days through Middle Earth:
Day 12: Rest Day in Delta, UT (or Rivendell for you LOTR know-it-alls)
Day 13: Delta, UT, to Provo, UT — 96 miles
Day 14: Provo, UT, to Strawberry Reservoir, UT — 56 miles
Day 15: Strawberry, UT, to Vernal, UT — 112 miles

In the end, the hearty riders, hobbits that is, persevered with Lembas Bread flavored Cliff Bars and climbed the seemingly impossible.

If the comical picture of short-legged fantasy characters riding road bikes wasn’t enough, I think Mr. Tolkien would have been proud how goodwill and high spirits prevailed over our journey the last couple of days, despite the crazed, ork-like Utah drivers.

There and back again,
Augie

This week tens of thousands of HIV/AIDS stakeholders will descend on Washington, D.C. for the bi-annual International AIDS Conference (IAC). Scientists, activists, policy makers, people living with HIV/AIDS, NGOs, other stakeholders from around the globe, and (of course!) FACE AIDS will participate in a week-long conference to discuss advances in the fight against HIV and look forward to the beginning of the end of AIDS. As the weeks begins, we’d like to look at two critical moments that made this moment possible.

1. Lifting of the travel ban. Although the United States is far and away the largest contributor to the global fight against HIV, hosting the conference on our shores was not always assured; in fact the IAC has not been held in America in over 20 years. A federal ban on travel visas for people living with HIV/AIDS precluded the United States from candidacy as a host country. In 2009, President Obama lifted the travel ban, recognizing that it provided no legitimate public health benefits. Now that people living with HIV/AIDS could enter into the United States, the IAC elected to return to the US to showcase significant advances in the fight against HIV.
2. Treatment as Prevention. Last year a research team led out of UNC Chapel Hill published results of a study called HPTN 052. This study definitively showed that the immediate treatment of an HIV infected member of a serodiscordant couple (i.e  one person has HIV, the other does not) reduces the rate of transmission in heterosexual couples by 96%. HPTN 052 means that when we treat infected individuals, we prevent others from getting infected. Essentially, treatment is a form of prevention. It alters the way we talk about the virus and how we can stop it. Indeed, this groundbreaking research led Secretary of States Hillary Clinton to declare last November that creating “an AIDS-free generation” was a “policy priority of the United States government”.

These exciting developments have brought part of the FACE AIDS staff to DC this week. Lauren Piper, our Education and Advocacy Intern, and I will be blogging about our experiences attending the RESULTS International Conference, a concurrent conference that teaches how to effectively advocate for those living with HIV/AIDS around the world. Margo Watson, our Executive Director, is actively engaging hordes of young people, luminaries, and movers & shakers at the IAC. Together we working to engage our peers and colleagues so that together we can create an AIDS-free generation.

Austin Carroll Keeley

Recruitment and Partnerships Director