home-based care
In many African countries healthcare systems are overwhelmed by the number of people infected with HIV. When HIV is diagnosed many people are sent home to die and they are often ostracised by their families because of the stigma associated with being HIV positive.
Teams of trained local volunteers from our partner projects visit people at home. They wash them, clean their homes, prepare food and sometimes feed them if they are too weak to do so themselves. They also provide emotional and spiritual support.
Where antiretroviral therapy is available, volunteers help people understand the critical importance of taking all their medication at the right time and talk about side effects and other concerns they may have.
Partner projects
> Barnabas Trust, South Africa
> Centre for Urban Mission, Kenya
> Community Care Project, South Africa
> Ethembeni Community Project, South Africa
> Faraja Trust, Kenya
> Ikhwezi Support Group, South Africa
> Ingwavuma Orphan Care, South Africa
> Izandla Zethemba, South Africa
> Lithemba Support Group, South Africa
> Living Hope Community Centre, South Africa
> Masizakhe Community Project, South Africa
> Matana Diocese, Burundi
> Newfrontier Aid Trust, South Africa
> Rema Ministries, Burundi
> Success Self Help Group, Kenya
> St Paul's Outreach, South Africa
> Word Alive Ministries, Malawi
Fact: In Uganda, roughly half the men and women surveyed said that if a family member contracted HIV they would prefer to keep that fact a secret. (Ministry of Health Uganda, 2005)
"We do not have money but we have hands. Let us help those who are weak with domestic work like cleaning their houses, washing their clothes, cooking food and even visiting them alone is enough." Volunteer in Tanzania
