HIV / AIDS in Africa

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More than 6,000 people die across Africa each day due to AIDS. HIV/AIDS has exhausted family resources, overwhelmed community and national health systems, and robbed many children of their opportunity for education.

2003 reports indicate that over 60 million Africans have been touched by HIV/AIDS. They are living with the disease, have died of it, or have lost parents to it. Worldwide, 70% of the adults and children living with HIV/AIDS are in Africa, and 58% of those infected in the region are women. Poverty, traditional practices, lack of formal education and jobs, gender inequality, and fear and stigma of this disease have contributed to the pandemic.

Almost 12 million African children have been orphaned, having lost one or both parents to AIDS. These 12 million children are now more likely to be malnourished; may never complete school; are more likely to be forced into child labor and prostitution; and are at increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS themselves.

Church World Service recognizes that public health is a public good. Its HIV/AIDS work focuses on:

Advocacy / Destigmatization: CWS advocacy efforts and programs transform attitudes and practices of stigma, so that people living with AIDS will have access to treatment — and will feel free to participate in treatment — improving their quality of life and prolonging their lives.

Strengthening families: Church World Service programs strengthen the HIV/AIDS-affected family unit by increasing access to health care, nutrition education, and opportunities to earn an income.

Orphans and HIV/AIDS-affected children: CWS programs protect the rights of children orphaned and affected by AIDS, so that rather than enter the cycle of disease they can provide for themselves as participants in the social and economic development of their communities.

War-Affected and Displaced Populations: Millions of Africans flee unrest at home only to face a precarious life in an insecure camp situation. Women and children are most vulnerable as they face exploitation, coercion, violence, sexual abuse, and a breakdown of traditional value systems. CWS programs provide access to prevention education, trauma counseling, treatment, and care.

Partner development: CWS programs engage ecumenical and faith-based partners to raise awareness, educate, provide information, and end discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.