HALTE-SIDA was created by Mrs. Celestine BAGNIAKANA in 1994. She was motivated by the sheer quantity of victims afflicted by the HIV virus within her town and throughout Congo:

" “Having no knowledge of the medical field, I began by asking some questions to Dr MEPELE, Dr FARGETTE, Dr BANGUISSA, Dr MOKA and Dr PERLS in order to get some advice on setting up a charity.

I realised that it would be difficult and that it would require some financial assistance. I began by using my own money to produce some leaflets to inform people about AIDS. I distributed them throughout local schools, high schools, churches, local companies and around markets.

At first people were surprised and unfortunately some people had a negative response to what I was trying to achieve. Despite this I decided to talk about AIDS to children and young people to try and educate them of the dangers they could face. I started to gather my own children, their friends and colleagues to talk about consequences of AIDS..

In order to keep the children interested I created cultural activities, such as recitals about AIDS, theatre performances and dance. Over time the association grew as parents encouraged their children to join. That was the beginning of our struggle..

The outcome was positive and my house changed into a cultural centre which fights against the spread of AIDS. Many children came to join us to learn and be aware of the dangers..

As a mother I wanted to preserve the life of my children like any other mother. I invited several Congolese doctors to join the association, to provide medical help and advice and to answer to all the children’s questions..

Unfortunately, a few years ago, Congo, our beautiful country, was ravaged by civil war. All the activities of the association were suspended as most of the members of the association were children. Some years later, when peace returned, the activities in the association resumed.

I hope that people will help us and will support our activities. This disease affects the entire world, so let us struggle together against AIDS.
Thank you. "

Célestine BAGNIAKANA
President of the association.