In Kinondoni Municipality, where Kimara Peers operates, HIV prevalence is almost double the national average, at 10%. Consequently, Kimara Peers helps the some of the most marginalised in the region, who are at a high risk of infection due to ignorance, discrimination and poverty.

Kimara Peers provides counselling and an extensive support system for those living with HIV. Their strong network of emotional and financial aid ensures that individuals need not face their life-altering predicament alone. Egmont met one such individual, Martha, who told us how Kimara Peers had helped her.

Martha

Martha lives in the suburbs of Dar es Salaam. She has lost her husband and three of her children to AIDS related illnesses; her son and husband dying within weeks of each other. Grief stricken, Martha was left to care for nine young grandchildren, ranging from 14 years old to a small baby. 

In a country where women rarely enjoy an independent income, she struggled to cope, her small business unable to feed, let alone clothe and educate the grandchildren left in her care. Martha told us that at this point, she contemplated suicide.

A local government representative introduced Martha to Kimara Peers, who delivered food supplements so that she and her family had enough to eat.  She also liaised with a local church who arranged for three of the children to go back to school.