Dzaleka Home Based Care on Saturday launched the Healthy Mothers, HIV-Free Babies project to support efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Dzaleka.

The project will promote antenatal care, HIV testing and counselling, adherence to antiretroviral treatment, infant HIV testing and efforts to reduce HIV-related stigma among women and families.

The launch was held alongside a birthday celebration for Elina Mwasinga, who chose to mark the occasion with vulnerable families in Dzaleka. During the event, Mwasinga donated a cheque, clothes and food items.

Speaking to Yetu Radio, Dzaleka Home Based Care Executive Director Ngoy Mbeshe Felly said a lack of funding continues to affect the organisation’s ability to provide services to vulnerable people.

Mbeshe also spoke about the progress made through community-based programmes and thanked Mwasinga for supporting the organisation’s work.

“Even without major funding, we believe that knowledge saves lives. We believe that every mother deserves support, every child deserves a healthy start in life, and that even in a refugee camp, an HIV-free baby is possible,” Mbeshe said.

Beneficiary Francis Mpakaniye thanked Mwasinga for spending her birthday with vulnerable families, saying the visit brought hope and encouragement to the community. He also appealed for continued support.

Mwasinga said she was pleased to celebrate her birthday with people in Dzaleka and hoped to return in the future. She thanked Dzaleka Home Based Care for giving her an opportunity to meet and support vulnerable community members.

The event brought together community members, beneficiaries and supporters to promote maternal health and prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.