In Conversation with Ida Gausi

One in seven adults in Malawi is infected with HIV and AIDS. The burden on families, and the isolation HIV and AIDS causes, can be overwhelming.

Working with local partner MACRO, we are training a network of home-based carers to provide care and support to those affected.

Ida Gausi (pictured below) has been a home-based carer in our project in Mhuju, central Malawi, since 2004.

Why did you become a home-based carer?

"I couldn't refuse. You see the need in our village - there are several orphans and sick people.

We must act to help. There are ten of us who are home-based carers and we visit 15 patients twice a week. I'm proud that I have become a health provider for my community."

Right: Home-based carer Ida Gausi

As a home-based carer, what are your main activities?

"We've been trained by MACRO in basic skills for caring for the sick and we have received medical kits that include panadol and gloves.

In this area, we all depend on farming but it can be hard, physical work and the sick and their families can not cope so we help them.

We also help with household chores and bring firewood for those that are too weak to do it themselves.

Now, MACRO has supported us to develop a communal kitchen garden. Whatever we produce from the land, we will give to the sick people who do not have enough food."

What is the impact that HIV and AIDS is having on your community?

"The impact is everywhere. As a parent, even I have suffered. I have watched my child die of AIDS.

We visit 15 patients now but we have had seven people die since we started in 2004."

>> Donate now to help people affected by HIV and AIDS