AHF South Africa Growing Health, One Garden at a Time
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Ibika Clinic clients learn about seedlings, fertilizers, and watering techniques to grow successful gardens.
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From seed to harvest, clients in two regions are growing more than food—they’re cultivating nutrition and self-reliance through AHF South Africa’s new Food for Health (FFH) gardens. By improving access to fresh, nutritious food, the initiative also supports better overall health and strengthens the well-being of people living with HIV.
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Mpumalanga participants cultivate the demonstration garden, practicing sustainable methods learned during training.
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In Mpumalanga, AHF partnered with Klarinet Community Health Centre and the Department of Health to establish a demonstration garden, where participants learned practical skills and received starter packs to replicate the project at home. At Ibika Clinic in the Eastern Cape, clients manage their plots independently, growing food to eat or sell. In both locations, Department of Agriculture representatives provided hands-on training in sustainable cultivation techniques.
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"Thanks to AHF, we are committed to taking ownership of the project," said one Mpumalanga demonstration garden participant. "The skills we’ve gained through this experience will undoubtedly create lasting benefits for
our community."
Launched in the U.S. in 2021 and now operating in dozens of countries, AHF’s Food for Health program addresses malnutrition and economic challenges to help clients stay on treatment and improve overall health outcomes
AHF has worked in South Africa since 2002, when we opened our first global clinic in Umlazi. Today, the program works in 61 facilities across four provinces, serving more than 263,000 clients.
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Byamukama Alozious: Reporting for a Healthier Tomorrow
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UGANDA
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Byamukama Alozious is health reporter with Mama FM radio station and works closely with AHF Uganda Cares to highlight their initiatives. His story is next in our "I Am AHF" series featuring remarkable staff, clients, and
partners who are doing what's right to save lives everyday.
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"Through my work with AHF, I’ve grown into both a stronger journalist and a committed advocate," said Alozious.
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As a journalist at Mama FM, a women-centered radio station, I have come to deeply value the impact of advocacy journalism and the organizations driving change on the ground.
My passion for journalism began early. I was always curious and loved listening to the radio. In school, I became the student information officer because I enjoyed keeping up with everything—from politics to community issues. Over time, I realized I didn’t just want to consume information; I wanted to share it. That’s what led me to study journalism.
Joining Mama FM was a perfect fit. As a gender-sensitive media house, it prioritizes issues of gender equality, health, and gender-based violence (GBV).
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Alozious interviews Henry Magala, AHF Uganda Cares Country Program Director.
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Coming from a background where GBV and poor health awareness were common, I wanted to be part of changing that reality—not just for my family, but for my community and Uganda at large. That is why community health journalism and advocacy are at the core of
my work.
AHF has transformed my perspective in many ways. In the past, I felt embarrassed to even mention condoms or talk openly about sexual and reproductive health. But through AHF’s work, I’ve learned to discuss HIV prevention, family planning, and STI care without stigma.
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Chinese Valentine’s Day with a Healthy Twist
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Qixi, or Chinese Valentine’s Day, falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month and celebrates love and romance.
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AHF China and its partners transformed cultural traditions into a powerful platform for health education Chinese Valentine’s Day (Qixi Festival) last month, hosting three events that blended celebration with sexual health awareness.
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Over 7,000 free condoms were handed out by AHF China for Chinese Valentine’s Day.
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In Tianjin, the 'Safer is Sexy' campaign lit up a popular city square with talks on women’s health, STI prevention workshops, and condom demonstrations. Later, AHF hosted an interactive couples party featuring themed games and activities where partners
could share messages of love and celebrate together.
Meanwhile, in Nanjing, more than 70 participants gathered for the Qixi Health Awareness Festival, which featured carnival-style games, exciting performances, condom-inflating contests, and sexual health quizzes.
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Director Yan Hongjing from the Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention applauded the initiative, noting that “health is the
cornerstone of a good life,” reminding participants to maintain health awareness and that being responsible for oneself is also being responsible for others.
AHF China began operations in 2006 and now serves over 83,000 clients.
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Tackling the Triple Threat to Adolescent Health in Kenya
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Participants at the Devolution Conference included government leaders, civil society representatives, and youth voices.
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At the recent 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County, AHF Kenya and the National Syndemic Disease Control Council convened a high-level side event to accelerate county-led solutions addressing the triple threat of HIV, unintended pregnancies, and gender-based violence among adolescents. In Kenya, devolution—the transfer of powers and responsibilities from national to county governments—has transformed the delivery of public services, including health.
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The session, attended by over 300 participants, placed youth voices at the heart
of discussions on building healthier, safer communities.
Speakers from civil society and government, including Elgeyo Marakwet Governor H.E. Wisley Kipyegon Rotich, highlighted the urgency of devolved health systems and county leadership in driving sustainable change. Discussions also emphasized that cross-sector collaboration is essential to addressing the triple threat.
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AHF Kenya Country Program Director Dr. Samuel Kinyanjui (second from right) speaks with “King of Condoms” Stanley Ngara (right) during the conference.
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For communities, the event reinforced momentum toward stronger, more responsive health systems. For young people, it ensured their voices are heard in shaping solutions and their futures.
In July 2007, AHF Kenya launched HIV/AIDS services at the Mtongwe Municipal Council Clinic in the Coast Region. Today, the program operates in 10 counties and serves more than 165,000 clients.
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