THE RAKAI HEALTH SCIENCES PROGRAM T H E The Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP) was FOR MORE INFORMATION established in 1988 as the Rakai Project. It was renamed SAFE HOMES AND (Rakai Health Sciences Program) in 2004. RHSP ABOUT represents a research and health service collaboration RESPECT FOR between the District of Rakai, the Ugandan Ministry of The Safe Homes And Respect for Health through the Virus Research Institute, E V E R Y O N E in , Columbia University in Everyone (SHARE) Project; E V E R Y O N E or The Rakai Health Sciences Program (SHARE) PROJECT

Please visit us The Safe Homes And Respect for Everyone Office hours (SHARE) Project is a community-based (Monday – Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm) intervention conducted by Rakai Health Sciences or contact us via telephone, fax or email. Program, a registered non-governmental organization in Uganda.

The SHARE Project works in partnership with Coordinator – SHARE Project community-based residents, local leaders Rakai Health Sciences Program and professionals of to raise Field Station Headquarters awareness, build capacity and implement P. O. Box 279 - Old Bukoba Road change toward the prevention and mitigation the USA and Johns Hopkins University in the USA. The Town, Rakai District of domestic violence and HIV/AIDS, and the Rakai Health Sciences Program focuses on HIV/AIDS Tel: +256 - (0)772- 405861 promotion of improved reproductive health and research and prevention, health education, promotion Tel: +256 - (0)41- 321700 respect for human rights. of family planning, laboratory and clinical research, Fax: +256 - (0)481- 22153 randomized trials, health professional training and Email: [email protected] provision of community health services.

Rakai Health Sciences Program

Improved Health Through Research

5 6 SHARE PROJECT ACTIVITIES THE SHARE PROJECT HIV/AIDS Outreach The Safe Homes And Respect for Everyone (SHARE) The SHARE Project uses six main strategies for HIV/AIDS Outreach Department works with Project was initiated in August 2005 by the Rakai working towards its goals and objectives. volunteer counselors to provide them with skills to Health Sciences Program (RHSP). It is currently Capacity Building offer basic psychosocial support to local residents supported by funds from the President’s Emergency Capacity Building Department works with professionals seeking HIV and violence-related counseling services. Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). (health care workers, HIV/AIDS counselors, HIV/AIDS This department also organizes self help/support service providers, police, social workers, religious groups for people living with HIV/AIDS, and provides MISSION STATEMENT leaders) and other key groups in Rakai to influence policy counseling services to participants of RHSP’s ARV To help residents of Rakai District work toward and practice within the workplace around domestic program. improved reproductive health, happy and fulfilling violence, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS and women’s Reproductive Health Outreach intimate partnerships that are based on mutual rights. Activities include training workshops, seminars, Reproductive Health Outreach Department works with respect, positive parent-child relationships that and on-site follow-up and development support. local residents, professionals (health care workers, involve open dialogue about life issues, loving and HIV/AIDS counselors, and traditional birth attendants) supportive family settings, and safe communities. and other key groups in Rakai to raise awareness SHARE PROJECT OBJECTIVES about how to recognize and respond to the serious 1. To mobilize community members at the reproductive health problems (adolescent pregnancy, grassroots level to change the attitudes and unwanted pregnancy, non-use of contraception, danger behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence, signs in pregnancy and delivery, unassisted births), and contribute to reproductive health problems the link between domestic violence and reproductive and exacerbate the HIV/AIDS situation. health). This department offers specialized programs for youth on adolescent reproductive health. 2. To build the capacity of key individuals and Counseling and Referral Services groups to understand the impact of domestic Experienced and trained counselors are available violence, reproductive health problems and (by appointment or through referral) to provide HIV/AIDS and motivate them to initiate positive Community Activism confidential psychosocial support services to changes at their places of work and in their Community Activism Department works with community anyone experiencing domestic violence or emotional communities. volunteers to engage local residents and local leaders to prevent domestic violence and HIV/AIDS and promote trauma related to HIV/AIDS or reproductive health 3. To train community-based volunteers and improved reproductive health at the grassroots level. problems. volunteer counselors to conduct activities that Activities include: village meetings, music, dance and Learning Materials work toward the goals and objectives of the drama, poster exhibitions, booklet clubs, public events, film The SHARE Project project. shows and special programs for adolescents. uses and distributes 4. To advocate for change within existing community a variety of learning structures to create an environment supportive materials to raise of equal treatment of men and women, respect awareness and for human and reproductive rights and support stimulate dialogue and respect for all people living positively with about the importance HIV/AIDS. of preventing and mitigating domestic AREAS OF OPERATION violence, HIV/AIDS and reproductive Katana Buyamba health problems in the communities of Rakai www.preventgbvafrica.org Kalisizo Kabira/Kifuuta Poster developed by Raising Voices, District. www.raisingvoices.org 2 3 4