DAMKA Events

"My health, my responsibility!" – DAMKA Director speaking during DAMKA Health Camp for adolescents living with HIV at Mabole Boys Secondary School. She encouraged them to take charge of their health, emphasizing the importance of adherence to medication, regular check-ups, and healthy lifestyle choices. She reminded them that managing their health is not only a personal responsibility but also a key to leading a full and active life.

The 4-Day Don Amolo Memorial Kids’ Ark (DAMKA) Health Camp 2024 for Adolescents Living with HIV (ALHIV) is currently being held at Mabole Boys High School. This year’s theme is "Building Brighter Futures: Empowering Young Minds with Health, Skills, and Resilience." The camp’s objectives include promoting health education and awareness, fostering skill development, supporting mental health and emotional resilience, enhancing physical well-being, and encouraging empowerment and advocacy among the participants.

On 1 December Don Amolo Memorial Kids Ark - DAMKA joins partners and communities to commemorate World AIDS Day 2024. Under the theme ''Take the rights path: My health, my right!”, Don Amolo Memorial Kids Ark - DAMKA is calling on global leaders and citizens to champion the right to health by addressing the inequalities that hinder progress in ending AIDS.

We are glad to announce the opening of our fourth buck station at Mulwanda for the DAMKA Goat Project! Today, we had the privilege of meeting Philip, one of our project participants. Philip, who is currently on school holiday, was found sourcing grass for the milk goat. He gladly received this buck, which will not only serve his goat but also those of other DAMKA Project participants at Mulwanda. DAMKA Goat Project helps to ensure a steady supply of nutritious goat milk for our Project Participants and provision of valuable skills in animal husbandry, contributing to greater self-reliance and sustainability. @GSK @SolidarMed @ViiV Healthcare @MSD Invents @Damka Cbo

DAMKA is conducting Household Health Testing in the villages of Eshirumba, with the goal of promoting a healthy community. This initiative includes comprehensive health assessments and education, with HIV testing being a critical component of our efforts. By providing accessible testing and resources, we aim to raise awareness about HIV prevention and treatment, reduce stigma, and empower residents to take charge of their health. @GSK @SolidarMed @ViiVHealthcare

DAMKA Director Dorothy Caroline Mabunde gladly welcomes the GSK Team at DAMKA Headquarters. A dedicated nurse cum research scientist from Butere, Dorothy is on the forefront in giving hope to children living with HIV and those affected by Sickle Cell disease and ensuring they live a normal life, access equal opportunities in education and grow into better citizens. During this visit, GSK Team met children living with HIV who are healthier thanks to antiretrovirals and the incredible support of clinicians and Don Amolo Memorial Kids' Ark volunteers who work tirelessly to reduce stigma, drive adherence to medication and support their broader health, wellbeing and education.

At a recent club meeting at Khwisero Hospital, station heads educated project participants on the dangers of drug and substance abuse. They provided age-specific guidance for children under 10, ages 10-14, and those 15 and older. For the youngest group, the focus was on recognizing factors like curiosity and environmental influences that might lead to substance exposure. Older children and teens discussed peer pressure, with strategies to resist it. Parents and caregivers received practical tools to prevent substance abuse, including setting family rules, fostering strong family bonds, and promoting open communication to build trust and awareness.

The Don Amolo Kids Ark Goats Project is dedicated to providing nutritious goat milk to orphaned and vulnerable children living with HIV/AIDS and sickle cell disease. This initiative not only ensures a sustainable source of high-quality milk but also empowers children and their families with skills for self-reliance. Committed to enhancing physical health and overall quality of life, the project aims to foster resilience and make a lasting impact.

Strengthening Sickle Cell Disease Care in Kakamega: DAMKA and County Health Department Strategize Next Steps in Butere and Beyond" DAMKA, in partnership with the Kakamega County Health Department, hosted a collaborative breakfast meeting today focused on advancing the implementation of crucial Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) initiatives in Butere and across Kakamega County. Stakeholders discussed strategies for scaling up early screening, public awareness, access to treatment, and support systems for individuals and families affected by SCD.