Bouake Support Group Party
On Saturday, September 24, 2011, HAI had the great pleasure of attending a party to celebrate the support and solidarity that people living with HIV give each other in the Bouake community, and brought together prominent leaders from the Ministry of Health, the local council of Bouake, other NGOs, and religious leaders. More than 240 people living with HIV attended along with their families and friends.
The celebration was hosted by Bouake Eveil, a community based organization with which HAI has worked since 2007. Its president, Mr Bourahiman Sidibé, spoke of the strong collaboration between our two organizations and how we share a longstanding commitment to the welfare and well-being of those affected by HIV. Among Bouake Eveil's (which means "Bouake rise up!") many projects include the coordination of monthly support groups for those tested HIV-positive at local health centers. The support groups provide a forum for people to share stories, provide psychosocial support, and access essential medical services and advice necessary to their continued well-being. This party was a bringing together of support group members and their families to provide them a sense of solidarity and celebration.
The party included songs, short skits performed by support group members as well as a local theater group, speeches and testimonials. One woman living with HIV spoke eloquently about her experiences with the support groups, saying that thanks to her regular attendance, "I have found a confidence in myself I didn't have before." A local imam spoke of the importance of the implication of religious leaders in the fight against HIV and AIDS and urged other religious leaders to speak out about stigma and to provide messages of prevention and hope. Finally, a woman who discovered her HIV status 17 years ago gave her life's story, which brought thunderous applause to the audience, who were inspired by someone who lived so long and in such good health with her HIV diagnosis.
This event was a great success, and HAI is proud to work with such amazing community based partners and such inspirational men and women in Bouake. We'd like to thank the members of Bouake Eveil who made such an amazing celebration a reality!
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