Three hours south of Entebbe in Lake Victoria lies an archipelago of both impenetrable jungle and densely populated slums. The beauty of the wilderness—replete with extravagantly-coloured birds, crocodiles and twisting tropical forest—contrasts sharply against village waterfronts saturated by rotting fish and plastic water bottles.

Voluntary testing and counselling in the islands has revealed a staggering 80 to 90 per cent incidence of HIV. Fishermen are notoriously promiscuous, and three out of four women make their living as prostitutes. The situation is similar in the Tanzanian islands poking out of the lake’s southwestern corner. In both countries, the fishing industry has brought wealth...but with it, social chaos.


The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is donating $500,000 to this project “Death is ever-present,” says AIM missionary and nurse Kathleen Burns.

Recognizing the critical physical and spiritual needs of island populations, AIM has partnered with local churches to facilitate:

HIV/AIDS testing and counselling
-patients are tested, treated for endemic diseases and assured of follow-up homecare. Beyond grief counselling, counsellors share about ultimate healing through Jesus Christ.

The formation of Post Test Clubs 
-mutual support and spiritual accountability for those already tested. Post Test Clubs are led by church-trained community health workers.

Mother and child health/reproductive clinics
-Women  and children are given immunizations, vaccines, basic medical care and referral and counselling.
-women are encouraged to leave the sex trade.

Household Health Education
-Community health workers visit families in their homes and teach about household hygiene and sanitation, common illnesses and HIV/AIDS

Donate online by including the following project description: "Island Community Health"

To contribute by mail, make checks payable to Africa Inland Mission with a separate note indicating "Island Community Health" and mail to:

Africa Inland Mission
1641 Victoria Park Ave.
Scarborough, ON M1R1P8