HIV/AIDS

Thirty million people around the world are infected with HIV or AIDS; more than 95 per cent of this population lives in the developing world.

But the grasp of the disease reaches far further than this. Whether it is the orphan who lost parents to AIDS, or the grandmother who cares for her sick children and grandchildren, the epidemic affects millions more.

But there is hope.

• Education on the transmission of HIV can make a difference.
• Lessons on proper nutrition can help people live healthy, normal lives longer.
• Access to medicines and quality care can ensure people infected with HIV and those caring for them can continue to work and go to school.
• Education and protection for children orphaned by AIDS and other vulnerable children can give them the strength to become survivors – not victims.
• Savings and loans groups can help people living with HIV and AIDS access the money they need to provide for their families.

CARE focuses on a multi-faceted and community-based approach to HIV and AIDS that seeks out the root of the problem, as well as the effects. To achieve this, CARE focuses on tackling the poverty that is both the cause and consequence of HIV and AIDS.

Those who live in poverty are often more vulnerable to HIV and AIDS, either because of high-risk survival strategies, the lack of authority to take control of their lives, or the lack of access to education.

Those affected and infected by HIV and AIDS are also more vulnerable to poverty: breadwinners who are sick or who care for sick family members are often prevented from working to support their families.

CARE Canada’s HIV and AIDS projects recognize this linkage and, with the help of Canadians, works with communities to end poverty and to promote healthier, happier and safer lives for those living with or affected by HIV and AIDS.

CARE Canada runs projects throughout the world to help address the challenges of HIV and AIDS, including projects in Malawi, Kenya, Egypt and Haiti.

Many children orphaned by HIV/AIDS suffer extreme marginalization. See how CARE’s project SCOPE is making a difference in Zambia.