poverty alleviation
HIV and poverty are inextricably linked. The HIV and AIDS pandemic has spread rapidly through Africa with governments struggling to cope. All have inadequate funds to support education and the provision of vital information about the disease, HIV testing facilities, care and support for those affected, and antiretroviral treatment.
At a micro level, for families already living on an extremely limited income, increased medical costs and a family member unable to work can be overwhelming. Many people find themselves in a poverty trap where they are unable to provide for themselves or their families.
iThemba is involved in supporting local micro-enterprise initiatives through which people are given loans to start small businesses. They repay the loan over a set period and can then take out another larger loan. If used well these loans enable people to start a small income-generating project to support their families.
We have seen that the success of these initiatives not only brings material benefits, but also a sense of self-worth and value to people and their communities. These micro-enterprise initiatives are not a hand out, but a sustainable way of enabling local people to provide for their families.
Partner projects
> Bread for Children, Kenya
> Centre for Urban Mission, Kenya
> City Harvest Church, Kenya
> Faraja Trust, Kenya
> Rema Ministries, Tanzania
> Success Self Help Group, Kenya
Fact: Studies of AIDS-affected households in South Africa found monthly income fell by up to 80% as the family tried to cope with the illness (Steinberg et al, 2002)
