TRANSFORM LIVES THROUGH THE POWER OF MUSIC
Together we can empower young people across Africa and drive lasting and positive change in health, education, and equality.
health
Brass for Africa is tackling the health crisis by providing mental health support, investing in HIV/AIDS awareness initiatives and implementing hygiene campaigns across Uganda, Rwanda and Liberia.
The Challenge
Mental health conditions, HIV/AIDS, and poor hygiene practices collectively contribute to a significant health crisis across Sub-Saharan Africa. A substantial portion of children and adolescents experience mental disorders, with many conditions beginning early in life, and suicide being a leading cause of death among young people.
90%
of young people in sub-Saharan Africa who are in need of mental health services will never receive them.
(UNESCO)
2x
Adolescent girls with poor mental health are 2 times more likely to become pregnant and drop out of school.
(World Bank)
1 in 10
school-aged girls in sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their menstrual cycle, impacting their education and future opportunities.
(UNESCO)
40%
of new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa occur among adolescents and young adults aged 15-24, underscoring the need for targeted prevention efforts.
(UNAIDS)
Our solution
Brass for Africa invests in the health sector across Sub-Saharan Africa. We leverage the power of music to create safe, trusted environments for individuals to address their struggles and seek support. Our approach includes:
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
We target adolescents, youth, refugees, and young offenders in juvenile rehabilitation. Our programmes create safe spaces in communities, schools, and homes, providing an environment for emotional expression within the band.
Community awareness dialogues and campaigns encourage open discussions about mental health, reducing stigma and increasing referrals for assistance.
HIV/AIDS AWARENESS INITIATIVES
HIV/AIDS AWARENESS INITIATIVES
We provide training and mentorship to enhance employability and career prospects.
This includes industrial skills development, career guidance, and support for business start-ups, as well as job opportunities.
HYGIENE CAMPAIGNS
HYGIENE CAMPAIGNS
We implement robust awareness initiatives to improve handwashing practices and hygiene.
Our Healthcare Ambassadors facilitate weekly dialogues in market centres, churches, schools, and villages on topics like mental health and handwashing, making these open topics and encouraging people to seek help.
New awareness initiatives will also inform the public about rehabilitation, substance abuse, and recovery.
our impact
Our latest research shows that:
REDUCTION IN
SUICIDE ATTEMPTS
50%
reduction
In Bidibidi Refugee Settlement (Uganda), an area where Brass for Africa is actively engaged, suicide attempts significantly dropped last year.
UNHCR reported 97 suicide attempts in 2019 with 19 deaths, which decreased to only one death reported by August 2024. Attempts in 2023 dropped by 50% from 44 to 22.
DECREASED
HIV PREVALENCE
15%
reduction
The HIV prevalence reduced by 15% in Kalangala District (Uganda), an area where Brass for Africa actively engaged through awareness, knowledge, and stigma reduction initiatives.
The HIV prevalence in Kalangala District decreased from 27% in 2017 to 12.4% in 2023, while the national prevalence remained relatively stable.
IMPROVED HYGIENE AWARENESS
10%
WITH Brass for Africa
(5% without Brass for Africa) Brass for Africa is targeting an increase in handwashing performance in Yumbe District (Uganda) by 5% in 2025 and 10% in 2026, aiming to reach the national performance of 30% in the next three years.
INCREASED MENTAL HEALTH KNOWLEDGE
improved
mental health
Our interventions are helping to close the knowledge gap regarding mental health. Brass for Africa is creating safe communities where people can openly share their struggles and receive support.
*Statistics derived from the 2024 Health Report by Brass for Africa, published in June 2025
Kato’s Story – from neglect to value
Before joining Brass for Africa, Kato faced a volatile home environment marked by domestic turmoil and neglect. Seeking an escape from the fear and isolation of his childhood, he found a vital support system through music. The mentorship of caring teachers helped him build mental resilience and provided a sense of belonging that he had never experienced at home.
Today, Kato has transformed his trauma into achievement, performing at the highest level as a trombonist in our All-Star Band. Beyond musical excellence, the programme has equipped him with the skills to earn a livelihood and meet his basic needs. For Kato, the band is more than just music; it is a source of healing and a definitive path toward a stable, independent future.
