Healthlink Worldwide

Background

Memory work was first pioneered as a psychosocial intervention to the HIV pandemic that places children, the group most vulnerable to the disease, at the centre of HIV responses.

Memory work soon proved to be an approach that supports a range of HIV responses, including strengthening family and community resilience to the disease.

The concept of memory work was developed through Barnado's through work with African families affected by HIV and AIDS and living in the UK. The approach was used as a way of linking children with their African background and heritage and to strengthen their coping strategies by improving communication and fostering a supportive environment to strengthen coping mechanisms.

Why memory work was developed?

In 1997, Barnado's introduced the approach in Uganda to the National Community of Women living with HIV (NACWOLA). NACWOLA, further adapted the concept and pioneered its development in Uganda and later on in African countries.

What is memory work?

Memory work is a practical approach that encourages families to communicate openly about HIV, in order to strengthen children's resilience to the pandemic. By nuturing a safe environment, memory work creates the conditions where disclosing one's HIV status and open communication is possible.

Memory work enables children to cope with the impact of HIV, understand what support and care is available and manage the possible loss and separation from their parents or other relatives It empowers children to participate in the planning for their future, while parents are supported to communicate openly with their children and plan for what will happen after they die, as well as share memories and experiences to preserve their knowledge for future generations.

The International Memory Project
The International Memory Project is a four-year project funded by Comic Relief. The long term goal is improving child, family and community coping strategies in response to HIV and AIDS in Africa. Healthlink Worldwide and NACWOLA began an initiative to scale up NACWOLA's memory work in Uganda and adapt the approach in four new countries: Ethiopia; Kenya; Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

Find out more about the partners involved