• Aid in the fight against HIV/AIDS through victim support and awareness programs
• Gain invaluable practical healthcare experience alongside local medical professionals
• Immerse in the life of a Ugandan through safe, carefully-screened homestays
• Go on a world-renowned gorilla safari, visit the source of the Nile River or trek the Rwenzori National Park in your downtime

Support efforts to stop the HIV/AIDS virus in its tracks! The rate of the HIV/AIDS infection continues unabated in Africa, and Uganda is no exception. Many regions in the country have been gravely affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Due to this deadly disease, many families have been plunged into poverty as they lose their sole breadwinners. There have been campaigns to stop the rate of infection but many have been unsuccessful. New Hope works with the grassroots communities that are actively initiating programs that are creating awareness halting the spread of the disease. With your help, these organizations can reach out to more people through awareness and prevention campaigns. This project aims to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS and provide support to those infected, focusing on adolescent reproductive health and disease awareness and prevention.  Volunteer in Uganda, and be part of the team that contributes to the fight against the virus. While you’re there, take the opportunity to track the elusive silverback gorilla on the numerous exciting safaris!

As a volunteer working in the HIV/AIDS project in Uganda, you will be providing care to patients infected with the diseases and also engage the community in educational and training activities. Depending on your skills, experience and interests, and also the needs of the local staff, your daily activities involve, but are not limited to:

• Counseling infected patients
• Educating locals
• Assisting clinics/hospitals
• Increasing the personal risk perception among the rural communities through active participation in HIV/AIDS preventive education in the community
• Assisting community HIV/AIDS organizations with outreach programs such as hospice care, recreational and educational programs
• Treat small opportunistic diseases such as headaches, stomach aches, skin diseases or diarrhea
• Assisting with voluntary HIV counseling and testing
• Organizing and leading educational seminars and conferences about the virus
• Providing friendship to patients
• Take part in support groups for those who are infected
• Assisting local organizations with administrative and organizational tasks
• Fundraising
• Promote human rights and discourage discrimination
• Lead lessons on personal hygiene
• Promote health education and nutrition

As a volunteer in Uganda in the HIV/AIDS project, you’ll be actively helping out the victims and increasing awareness in the society. New Hope partners up with many organizations which are working to improve HIV/AIDS awareness, education and provide care to those infected. The goal of these groups' activities is to foster awareness of the disease and work to change attitudes and behavior towards those unfortunate enough to be infected. Besides helping them get better, you’ll also a form of support for the victims, who are often shunned by society. A simple smile and a listening ear their way is often enough to motivate them to want to live life. This is also the perfect opportunity for you to gain experience in the healthcare industry. You’ll also be able to learn about the medical system in a developing country, and gain better understanding on how healthcare is perceived.

There is no specific education, experience, skills and/or qualifications needed to join our fight against HIV/AIDS in a volunteer project. Those with medical credentials will be able to help according to your certifications. If you are interested in the healthcare field, this is a good opportunity to gain professional experience. However, volunteers are expected to be flexible and patient as well as passionate and have love for the poor and HIV-infected people. An understanding of Ugandan culture and diversity can help improve the experience for you and the people you help. Consider enrolling in our one-week Language & Cultural Immersion program.

This project is located in and around Kampala or Jinja. Rural Uganda hosts various incredible examples of wildlife. Local villages can be discovered on hikes through the countryside and these excursions provide genuine Ugandan cultural experiences.

Kampala is the capital and largest city (population of approximately 1.2 million) of Uganda and is just 10 km from Lake Victoria. The city of Kampala offers a plethora of attractions such as Ssezibwa Falls, the Ugandan National Theater, the very active Balikuddembe Market and Nakasero Market as well as numerous historical sites that provide glimpses into Uganda’s past. Kampala is said to have been built on seven different hills with each hill representing significance in Uganda's history.

Jinja is the second largest commercial center in Uganda and is located in southeast Uganda – approximately 87 km from the capital city of Kampala. Located on the shores of Lake Victoria and close to the source of the White Nile River, Jinja offers the many small town urban amenities such as a post office, town hall, hospital, golf course and numerous internet cafes. Echoes of Jinja's Indian influence are reflected in the city's architecture. Some of Jinja's attractive features include whitewater-rafting, a brewery, Bujagali Falls (a kayakers' heaven) as well as an animal sanctuary and memorials for both Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha in addition to an active Hindu temple.