Barbara Kemigisa
Pill Power Uganda, Uganda
Title: Environment conservation through recycling empty ARV bottles into artifacts: A case study of Pill Power Uganda
Biography
Biography: Barbara Kemigisa
Abstract
Uganda has over 1.5 million people living with HIV. 938,000 and more are on ARVs and with treat and test campaign; it is believed that the number will soon be overwhelming. There is need to innovate ways of reducing the effect these bottles have on our environment especially since many people living with HIV are ashamed to be seen with the bottles leaving many bottles dumped in pit latrines, burnt or buried in gardens. Recycling these bottles has proved to be a cost effective approach that can be adopted by many young people in Uganda and the world to create opportunities for jobs and protect the environment. Used-up ARV bottles are collected through pill power units in different HIV treatment and care centers. The bottles are then made into baskets, dust bins, lamp shades, wind chimes and baby toys joined using wire mesh and glue. A Pill Power Unit is a group of young people living with HIV. Each unit is made up of 10 members. These Units are created in places where youth go for treatment and other services.
