The inspiring work of Ismail Harerimana.

This fundraiser supports the work of Ismail Harerimana, who was featured on NPR in March 2026:

http://www.npr.org/2026/03/20/nx-s1-5746630/hiv-aids-trump-administration-aid-cuts

With the elimination of USAID funding, children affected by HIV are falling between the cracks in southwest Uganda. Ismail Harerimana is a community health worker who is doing the best he can to reach children lost to the 2025 budget cuts:

"I was once a child who depended entirely on the kindness and support of others to survive. Growing up while living with HIV was not easy. I relied on medication, care, and the compassion of people who believed my life mattered.

"Today, I am an adult, and I carry that experience with me every single day. When I look at the children I now serve, I see myself in them. I see their struggles, their fears, and their hope. Many of them are living with HIV, facing stigma, poverty, and limited access to to the care they desperately need. And now with donor funding become scarce, these children are at even greater risk of being left behind.

"I cannot walk away.

"Supporting these children is not just work for me. It is personal. It is a calling shaped by my own life. I am committed to ensuring that they grow up healthy, supported and empowered to live meaningful lives."

Since the 2025 budget cuts, Ismail has been volunteering full-time with no salary to reach children far from the hospital who are not getting their HIV medication or are not getting tested. As a peer counselor, he has been trained to also provide the psychological support that children need.

This fundraiser is set up to help him and other volunteers have the necessary funds in 2026 to reach children by motorbike, pay for cell phone costs, and cover incidentals like test kits and even lunch for children who are transported to the hospital.

"Many of these children are not just battling illness, but also stigma, poverty, and loneliness. Together, we can give them the care, support, and dignity they deserve," says Ismail.

How you can help:

Donations via Sahaya International, a USA-based 501(c)3 nonprofit are tax-deductible in the USA. You can click the button above to make a donation. We would appreciate if you can cover the transaction fees. The form will also ask for a tip for the donation platform (Givebutter), but you are under no obligation and can use the pull-down menu to change that to zero or any amount.

Do you like to start your own fundraiser for Ismail and the many children? Just click on the "Fundraise" button to create your own fundraising page.

Even if you are not in the USA, you can still donate online via this page, but note that your donation will not be tax-deductible.

You can also send a check, made payable to "Sahaya International" with mention "Ismail to this address; please leave a note with your e-mail address so we can e-mail you a tax receipt.

Sahaya International
1504 Portola Street
Davis, CA 95616

Background on Sahaya International (USA) & founder, Dr. Koen Van Rompay

Sahaya International is a 501(c) non-profit organization. It was founded in 1999 by HIV researcher Dr Koen Van Rompay, who works at the University of California, Davis. Koen has dedicated much of his life to HIV, with special focus on prevention and treatment of pediatric HIV infection. To learn more about Sahaya International, visit www.sahaya.org, or watch the short documentary "Sahaya, Going Beyond" (narrated by Academy Award Winner Jeremy Irons) at https://vimeo.com/65517422

In July 2026, Koen and Ismail connected online and immediately became friends, sharing the same passion to make a difference. Therefore, Koen and Sahaya International are humbled to be part of Ismail's journey.

Do not hesitate to reach out to Koen at koen@sahaya.org to discuss other ways to donate to support Ismail (e.g. stocks, bequest, used vehicle etc).

Thank you in advance for any support you can provide.

Support Ismail with helping children living with HIV in Uganda

Support kids living with HIV in southwest Uganda