Rwanda – USAID-funded Ibyiringiro Project

Food and Nutrition Interventions Benefit People Living with HIV/AIDS

Vulnerable populations in Rwanda struggle to gain access to basic services. ACDI/VOCA works with Catholic Relief Services to address these constraints.

ACDI/VOCA implements a 5-year, $800,000 subagreement from Catholic Relief Services to support improved services for orphans, vulnerable children and people living with HIV/AIDS in Rwanda.

The USAID-funded Ibyiringiro project addresses four main impediments to improving the livelihoods and resiliency of households impacted by HIV and AIDS:

• Lack of resources to increase the quality and quantity of services to people living with HIV/AIDS receiving food rations
• Lack of strong community-based organizations supporting people living with HIV/AIDS
• Insufficient economic opportunities for people living with HIV/AIDS and orphans and vulnerable children
• Insufficient weaning food and targeted nutrition education to HIV positive mothers

Associations Improve Options for People Living with HIV/AIDS

Collective action helps address shared problems. ACDI/VOCA works with local associations and cooperatives in Karongi, Ngororero and Nyamagabe districts to improve their leadership and governance capabilities. With assistance from ACDI/VOCA, associations for people living with HIV/AIDS develop into cooperatives.

So far ACDI/VOCA has assisted 11 associations with the registration process, and continues to identify new associations each year. ACDI/VOCA provides training and technical assistance to cooperatives in leadership and governance, business plan development, and advocacy.

Volunteers Provide Expert Guidance

ACDI/VOCA uses its vast volunteer network to send experts to conduct training for these cooperatives and associations. These skills empower members to take advantage of government support and microfinance opportunities.

For more information, contact Kristin Cullison at kcullison@acdivoca.org.

Updated: 1/11

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