HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is one of the most serious challenges facing the international community.

HIV/AIDS is not only a health issue but is inextricably linked to poverty. Currently around 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS, 95% of whom live in developing countries. As well as the personal suffering, HIV/AIDS is having a devastating effect on the economic and social development of countries - children are left without parents and teachers, communities are deprived of health workers and leaders, agriculture and industry are robbed of managers and workers.

FYF believes that in order for communities to be able to build a future free from poverty and degradation, the challenge of HIV/AIDS must be addressed as a matter of urgency. FYF partners work in rural India and Malawi, raising awareness, improving access to methods of prevention, treatment and care and challenging the stigma that many people affected by HIV/AIDS have to face.

Case Study: responding to HIV/AIDS in the Rumphi District, Malawi

The spread of HIV/AIDS in Malawi is having a devastating impact on the ability of people to build a better future for themselves. Through the integrated Mhuju Community Based Livelihood Programme, Find Your Feet is working in the Rumphi District to improve communities' awareness of HIV/AIDS and access to prevention, counselling, testing and care.

Nancy's Story

Nancy Msowoya is the chair of the Village Natural Resources Management Committee in the Lusulumphala village. In her role as chair, she encourages all the village members to participate in the sustainable agriculture training run by the Mhuju Programme.

By working together, the farmers in Nancy's group have seen their harvests significantly improve. However, the impact of HIV/AIDS is slowing the progress.

"One issue that prevents community members from implementing their work has been the time they have had to spend caring for the sick. I know that some of the illnesses are related to HIV/AIDS."

With the support of the Mhuju Programme, a new village committee has been established to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and improve services. Presentations, group discussions and drama performances in schools and communities have addressed many of the key issues, ensuring that clear messages reach a wide audience. Crucially, the committee has managed to gain the support of local community leaders who are now taking the lead in disseminating information.

"For quite a long time we had no knowledge on HIV/AIDS but now there is no knowledge gap. Every village member now knows the implication of HIV/AIDS. We are now getting tested and condoms are being distributed in the village. This is no longer taboo like it used to be before the HIV awareness meetings were done in our village."

The Mhuju Programme is also working with community members who are affected by HIV/AIDS; providing counselling to individuals who are HIV positive and support to their families on how to live positively with HIV/AIDS.

"We even know how to take good care of the patients within our homes. We have also been encouraged to support and look after the orphans within our village. HIV/AIDS has been accepted as a challenge whose impact is felt in our day-to-day life."

FYF is working with communities, like Nancy’s, to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS infection and to cope with the challenges HIV/AIDS presents.

This work is jointly supported by Find Your Feet and Harvest Help. To find out more about Harvest Help click here to visit their website.