AHA in Rwanda provides continued support – particularly HIV counseling and testing, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, STI and TB services – to populations in and around Kiziba refugee camp that are either infected, affected, or at risk of infection by HIV. With the support of UNHCR, AHA also provides health education and community services to more than 2,000 urban refugees and asylum seekers and assists health clinics in Kigali Ville. However, due to a lack of resources, the HIV and AIDS problem could not be addressed in the urban setting.
Only sporadic interventions were carried out for urban refugees as far as HIV and AIDS are concerned; Some IEC sessions were carried out by nurses during routine consultations. AHA is also responsible for running the health services at the transit centers and for distributing food items, non-food items, and firewood in Kiziba, Gihembe and Nyabiheke Refugee Camps. Furthermore, AHA has also been temporarily administering UNHCR Logistics Base of Kigali and Kibuye starting May, 2010.
In collaboration with UBS Optimus Foundation, AHA has launched Sexual and Gender– based Violence prevention and response project for camp based refugees in Kiziba, urban refugees in Kigali City, and for surrounding communities.
One unmet expectation was finding alternative channels for funding at the national level. Due to a limitation of financial resources, AHA is understaffed and unable to progress towards it.
What major challenges & problems did you face?
The major challenge of AHA in Rwanda is lack of sustainable funding to overcome sole donor dependency. We need to make an effort towards mobilizing additional resources for humanitarian intervention and organizational human resource development. Handling current challenges requires determination, cost effective planning, and prioritization of activities.
What was the biggest accomplishment while implementing services for beneficiaries?
AHA’s biggest accomplishment in 2010 is its provision of services to beneficiaries based on actual progress towards achieving results.
What kind of improvements have you seen in projects ?
Applying effective participatory approach, AHA is able to provide assistance as per the goals and objectives of the Work Plan. In this regard, AHA realizes maximum utilization of financial resources, organizes quite a number of vocational trainings for People living with HIV and Gender-based Violence survivors as well as capacity development for implementing partners and AHA staff. Much is also being done towards Behavior Change Communication as well as HIV and Gender–based Violence prevention and response.
Do you have any recommendation for the improvement of current and future projects?
Improvement is related to sustainable resources and AHA has to grow into an empowered humanitarian organization to promote continuity in ensuring quality performance and results.
Is there anything you would like to add about the Country Office?
AHA in Rwanda, in partnership with the Government of Rwanda, UNHCR and UBS Optimus Foundation, continues its services having 2 international and 93 national staff as well as 109 refugee workers. AHA in Rwanda has 90 female and 114 male employees.