The mother of a Ugandan woman who died after a U.S. aid-funded program closed said: “There are no services to help me. I am all alone.”

Date: 5/25

Region: Africa

Country: Uganda

Topic: Health

Policy Lens: Moral Leadership

Entry Type: Field Observation

Additional Context: In Uganda, HIV service providers have said the most vulnerable among the people they supported are now beginning to die following sweeping cuts to global HIV/AIDS programs. Lydia Nabirye was 28 years old and died on March 6, 2025. She participated in a program led by the Ugandan organization MUCOBADI, which supported 54,000 children and their families. The organization provides food to families who don’t have enough to eat, school supplies to students who can’t afford them, and home visits to both children and caregivers who are struggling, such as Lydia. Its organizers believe these additional services are integral to ensure children remain on HIV treatment.

This quote is attributed to Saida Nabirye, Lydia's mother. Since Lydia’s death, she has taken over the care of her grandson. He requires all of her attention, so she had to shutter the restaurant she once ran with her daughter, Lydia. She is not sure how they will continue to survive.

Source: Devex