HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa
- There are nearly 25 million people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa – 59% of them are women.
- Two million children are living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Only 13% of HIV-positive children have access to antiretroviral treatment.
- Without treatment, one-third of infants infected with HIV die before reaching age one. Half die before age two.
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| Jacqueline From Tanzania Album 9 |
We are surrounded by the ravages of AIDS: grandmothers parenting orphans, single parents, children raising children, children who are HIV positive.
A few months ago, Jacqueline was dying from AIDS. Even though she herself was hospitalized and facing death, she found the strength to reach out to the other patients and comfort them whenever possible. Then Mama Wandoa came into her life and took her to her home. She was able to obtain the antiretroviral drugs Jacqueline needed and today — there was Jacqueline handing out clothing to 550 children. She never once wavered from her post in spite of the heat and humidity. She was kind and gentle as she gave directions to the children. She asked for only one thing: a second Canada pin so she could use them as a pair of earrings. She also wanted her story told. So many lives could be saved if only they had access to the drugs.
On the way to Tungini this morning we reminisced about past few days and could hardly believe there were only two distributions left to do. Even though we are emotionally and physically tired, you could hear the tinge of sadness as we realized our Tanzania adventure was drawing to a close.
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| From Tanzania Album 9 |
It’s at times like this you seek consolation in the 550 children who did receive bedkits and the miracle of Jacqueline.
Linda Webb for the SCAW 2007 Tanzania travelling team.
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