Lironga Eparu
Lironga Eparu ("learning to survive") was established in 1999 by a group of Namibians living with HIV/AIDS. The founding members wanted to establish a forum in which people living with HIV/ AIDS could discuss and share their experiences and to provide each other with support.
This self-help role remains the focus of the organisation today. In addition, the group has become increasingly involved in advocacy and awareness raising activities. Lironga was at its inception largely Windhoek-based. Members have however completed a countrywide tour during which membership was solicited in all the 13 regions. Membership has thus grown to over 1500 people countrywide.
Activities are targeted towards HIV+ people, their families, Aids Service Organisations, and institutions such as the Ministry of Health and Social services. The primary objective of Lironga is to empower people living with HIV/AIDS to take control of their lives, to live positively and have access to services on a non-discriminatory basis.
To date Lironga has successfully held support group meetings and has put up support groups in all thirteen (13) regions of Namibia. They have also held advocacy workshops in collaboration with the Legal Assistance Centre of Namibia. The training of PLWHA on lifting the burden of secrecy in Oshikoto and Kavango region were some of the activities. In some instances Lironga acted as mediator to resolve crises and problems between Aids Service Organisations and PLWHA. Visits to sick PLWHA in different regions and other support and care activities are also part of the activities. Hivos' support to Lironga is motivated by the fact that this NGO combines advocacy for the rights and non-discrimination of PLWHA with an excellent level of service providing to its members.
This self-help role remains the focus of the organisation today. In addition, the group has become increasingly involved in advocacy and awareness raising activities. Lironga was at its inception largely Windhoek-based. Members have however completed a countrywide tour during which membership was solicited in all the 13 regions. Membership has thus grown to over 1500 people countrywide.
Activities are targeted towards HIV+ people, their families, Aids Service Organisations, and institutions such as the Ministry of Health and Social services. The primary objective of Lironga is to empower people living with HIV/AIDS to take control of their lives, to live positively and have access to services on a non-discriminatory basis.
To date Lironga has successfully held support group meetings and has put up support groups in all thirteen (13) regions of Namibia. They have also held advocacy workshops in collaboration with the Legal Assistance Centre of Namibia. The training of PLWHA on lifting the burden of secrecy in Oshikoto and Kavango region were some of the activities. In some instances Lironga acted as mediator to resolve crises and problems between Aids Service Organisations and PLWHA. Visits to sick PLWHA in different regions and other support and care activities are also part of the activities. Hivos' support to Lironga is motivated by the fact that this NGO combines advocacy for the rights and non-discrimination of PLWHA with an excellent level of service providing to its members.
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