Friends of Reach Outs Hivaids Africa Initiative

In 2023 FORO was able to continue its support for the most marginated and neglected members globally mainly through Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja (RHHJ), a non-governmental organization founded in August 2005. RHHJ which operates in the Busoga Region in Central Uganda, provides crucial home-based palliative care for those suffering from cancer or the effects of HIV/AIDS. In 2023, RHHJ provided service to over 1,300 patients, and Friends of Reach Out provided it with grants for a total of $243,083.Another focus of FORO was to also provide support for the educational program of the Community Health Initiative Reach Out Mbuya, our initial recipient from over a decade ago. Reach Out Mbuya received $1,000 as contribution to the support of 141 students who come from the poorest of families, who otherwise would not have had any access to schooling.In addition, FORO also supported also Kawempe Home Care, one of its earliest recipients in Uganda. The support of $12,000 was used for the management of KHC New Hope Children's Hostel, the continued training for young mothers, and to other valuable initiatives.The grants from FORO met the following objectives: All partners who receive the funds provide transparent and accurate reports on how the funds were spent The funds were shared with organizations that focus on the most marginated and neglected populations, with a special focus on rural populations in Busoga region who otherwise would have no access to health care, palliative care, nor treatment. The funds were used to help support the organizational costs but also took in the most basic needs of the clients and their families inclusive of food, clothing, bedding, educational materials, and daily needs. An important focus also was in the training, empowering, and building up the skills of the local African staff teams and associate Health Care workers in palliative care, technology, counseling, and patient care. Currently the FORO funds have helped provide training and support to over 80 Community Volunteers. Provided support for transportation of health workers and clients, who would otherwise have no access to services or treatment. Facilitated vital diagnostic tests and treatments for clients' conditions so that they would be able to care for their families and affect the lives of many others. Over 2,700 women were screened for cervical cancer. Yearly rural screening outreach programs that promoted early detection of cervical and breast cancer.FORO through RHHJ has brought new hope to many patients by visiting them in their remote home villages, diagnosing their conditions, and then providing transportation, testing and treatment. Many who had given up all hope--are now able to receive the much-needed medical treatment and eventually able to resume their lives again. Some reach the point where they no longer need palliative care but just normal medical treatment and are again able to support and give strength to their families. Funds are also spent on food, clothing, bedding, transport, and even housing. The costs are daily expenditures that change the lives of many hundreds of families.Finally, FORO also understands that the children of the clients/patients are key to their futures.RHHJ--with support from Friends of Reach Out-continues to focus on supporting many children with their schooling requirements. The support includes: school fees, uniforms, study materials, transport, monthly visits, and counseling. RHHJ has continued in its Student Identification Number {IPN) program. This allows the organization to better serve the students and their families and provide accurate reports that result in better guidance and assistance, in addition to providing the generous donors with helpful and inspiring updates.