Success Stories: A New Start

Access to Credit and Training Promotes a New Start for People Living with HIV/AIDS in Senegal

OCTOBER 2008 — After completing military service, Mr F.T. had difficulty finding work and settling down in his native region of Kaolack, in central Senegal. Single, frustrated, and unemployed, he often took risks. After testing positive for HIV, he was pushed further into despair and became estranged from his family, friends, and community.

His life changed after he made contact with Bokk Lëpp, a local association of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA). Through the association, F.T. obtained a small loan to buy a new motorcycle that he used to start a taxi service within the town. The microfinance loans are funded through a USAID HIV/AIDS program in Kaolack that is implemented by FHI, in partnership with Counterpart International.

F.T. is now self-employed and proudly contributes to his town's local transport system.  He is already well on his way to completing his first loan repayment, and is planning to use his second loan to develop a fleet of moto-taxis.

The program introduced the microfinance service to meet the needs of PLHA who are experiencing severe economic hardship and can't afford necessary healthcare. Beneficiaries receive special training on loan management and technical support for their investment activities. A total of 41 PLHA have received funding for a range of microprojects, from cattle raising, fish marketing, and leather crafting to moto-taxi  investing.

Bokk Lëpp's president testified that the USAID program has resulted in much less financial dependence and instability for members.  Its benefits reach beyond economic stability, as exemplified in the experience of another beneficiary, a mother of two who launched her own small shop with a microfinance loan.

She is now an active Bokk Lëpp member who makes sure that her children regularly attend meetings so that they are better informed about HIV/AIDS. Increased economic stability has meant, for her and others, taking on more social responsibilities and paying more attention to health needs.

Living with HIV/AIDS has many challenges that can't be treated with a prescription. For many who do, microfinance opportunities offer a new start that allows them to face those challenges and find their place within society.

PHOTO: With his first loan, F.T. bought this motorcycle and started his own "moto-taxi service." (FHI/Senegal)