HIV/AIDS


HIV/AIDS has changed the landscapes of the world, especially in
Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

Open Door’s ministry to those infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS began in 2001, with three long-term partners, Dr. David Kitonga (Kenya) and Dr. Peter Halder (Bangladesh), and Pastor Josiah Usaba (Uganda).


Huduma Ministries
Dr. David Kitonga directs Huduma Ministries in the Kawangware Slum, east of the capital city of Nairobi. Huduma, a Swahili word for compassionate caring, does just that for the poor living in this east-side slum. Starting as a Saturday feeding program, Huduma quickly grew into a K-12 grade school.

Today, Huduma Ministries is also a large “AIDS-friendly” church, a counseling center, two trade schools, a microcredit program (Livingston), and a medical clinic. This ministry centers around those infected with or affected by the virus, providing a safe, welcoming place that gives hope to those thought to be hopeless. Open Door has been partnering with Dr. Kitonga (Huduma Ministry) in the funding of the medical clinic, the two trade schools and the microcredit ministry.

Youth First Concerns
Dr. Peter Halder directs Bangladesh Youth First Concerns, in a country where the majority of people are Moslem. Since he works with AIDS orphans and the chemically dependent, the government looks to Dr. Halder for assistance and leadership. His HIV/AIDS seminars have been taught in the schools and universities, and among police. His microcredit ministry has assisted those infected or affected, by providing income to produce businesses. Open Door has been partnering with Dr. Halder (BYFC) in the funding of the HIV seminars and microcredit.

OWLEHWA
Pastor Josiah Usaba is a Seventh Adventist pastor from Masaka/Kaswa, Southern Uganda. Due to the massive effects of HIV in this area, he has joined with the other spiritual and area leaders to form OWLEHWA (Orphans, Widows, Elderly and People Living with HIV Association). They have asked for assistance in building homes for the grandmothers who have “inherited” their grandchildren because of the virus. Open Door has joined OWLEHWA and World Vision Uganda in the construction of over 20 homes. Counseling and trade school education has also helped give hope to those in this area who
feel hopeless.