Service Yezu Mwiza

Service Yezu Mwiza

Motto	A nation that wants to live.
Established	2000
Location	Bubanza Avenue 11 Bujumbura, Burundi
Affiliations	Jesuit, Catholic
Website	Yezu Mwiza
Remarks	Persons living with HIV/AIDS are not disabled: they are able to produce and contribute to the integral development of society.

Service Yezu Mwiza (SYM) in Burundi is a part of the Jesuit outreach to fight AIDS/HIV in Africa, and has expanded to other health services. SYM uses mobile clinics to reach the people with its efforts at prevention, care, and psychosocial support.^[1]

History

In 2000 SYM took over the Jesuit Refugee Service efforts in Burundi among refugees from civil war, and has been a part of the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) since its founding in 2002.^[2] Since 2008 SYM has worked out of its headquarters at Bubanza Avenue 11, Bujumbura, to promote the overall health of the population by the comprehensive care of HIV/AIDS and TB/HIV, the fight against malaria, the promotion of reproductive health for mothers, and the care of chronic diseases.^[3] It also builds homes for the families of victims.^[4] With the approval of the Ministry of Public Health, SYM has become an AIDS Voluntary Testing Centre (VCT), and in 2009 an antiretroviral treatment center and PMTCT site.^[5] In June 2010, SYM opened a clinic at its headquarters for treatment, education, counseling, day hospitalization, care, and laboratory services.^[6] The center's services cover the provinces of rural Bujumbura, Muramvya, and 8 other towns. With support from the government Ministry of Public Health, the staff was expanded to two doctors, five nurses, two psychologists, a laboratory, two social workers, a pharmacist, and three administrators. SYM also became a part of the National Programme Leprosy-Tuberculosis (PNILT), as a testing and anti-tubercular treatment center (CDT). Its services have received widespread notice.^{[2][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]}

References

1. "BURUNDI - SERVICE YEZU MWIZA". African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN). February 8, 2016. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
2. About. Accessed 1 April 2016.
3. Locale of Nature World study. Accessed 25 May 2016.
4. Boursorama pic of home. Accessed 25 May 2016.
5. PMTCT. Accessed 1 April 2016.
6. CNW news Canada on clinic. Accessed 25 May 2016.
7. Canadian Jesuits. Accessed 25 May 2016.
8. Reuters coverage. Accessed 25 May 2016.
9. Brookings Institute reference to Yezu teaching women to sew. Accessed 25 May 2016.
10. Young Women's Knowledge and Leadership Institute Burundi. Accessed 25 May 2016.
11. ICIRORE C’AMAHORO lists as partner. Accessed 25 May 2016.
12. SELAVIP assistance. Accessed 25 May 2016.
13. Segal Family Foundation "partners with outstanding organizations. Accessed 25 May 2016.

Coordinates: 3°23′24.9″S 29°22′23.23″E / 3.390250°S 29.3731194°E