TASO stands for The AIDS Support Organization. It is an indigenous HIV/AIDS service organisation in Uganda founded in 1987 by Noerine Kaleeba and 15 other colleagues some of whom have now passed away due to AIDS.The founding of TASO was based on people that were unified by common experiences faced when encountering HIV/AIDS at a time of high stigma, ignorance and discrimination.

Vision:

'A world Without AIDS'

Mission:
TASO exists to contribute to a process of Preventing HIV infection, restoring hope and improving the quality of life of persons families and communities affected by HIV infection and disease

* At Personal Level:
  One-to-one counseling, which empowers the infected/affected person to make informed decisions, which improve the quality of life and facilitate the   balance between Rights and Responsibilities:
  Sensitive and compassionate care which provides early diagnosis and treatment of opportunistic infections and enhances living positively and dying with dignity.
 * At Family Level:
Counseling for the family members, which dispels their fears of contracting HIV through casual contact, facilitates care of the infected and affected persons and prepares the family for and supports them during bereavement.
Facilitation of provision of home nursing care and nutritional materials.

* At Community Level:
 Community counseling which empowers the community to organise an appropriate response to the problems generated by HIV.

 Facilitation of community planned responses, community evaluation of their responses and mobilisation of community resources.
 * At National And International Level:

  Sensitisation of the public about "Positive Living". Training of appropriate personnel for service delivery. Mobilisation of resources for achievement of goals. Join International efforts and fora for the total defeat of HIV infection and disease.

Philosophy:

'Living Positively with AIDs'

In practical terms, clients are encouraged to:

  * Accept their diagnosis
  * Seek prompt medical care
  * Practice safer sex
  * Continue to earn an income
  * Plan for the families and dependants
  * Seek counselling
  * Maintain a balanced diet
  * Have adequate sleep and exercise
  * Continue with normal social activities
  * Avoid harmful habits such as drinking alcohol and smoking

Objectives:

 * To offer counselling services to people with HIV/AIDS and their Families

* To train Counsellors for TASO and other organizations and to ensure effective provision of counselling.
* To complement available medical services.
* To sensitise the public and to promote positive attitudes towards people with HIV/AIDS and their families.
* To minimise the social ills caused by HIV/AIDS through material support to clients and their families.
* To build and support community-based efforts initiated to respond to AIDS epidemic.