Children at the Chiluka Community School, many of whose families are affected by AIDS, receive MCC school kits. Zambia
About ZambiaAs many as 85 percent of Zambian families live in poverty, and more than 16 percent of people have HIV/AIDS. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is evidenced by large numbers of orphaned children living on city streets.
MCC Supports:Brethren in Christ Church (BIC) HIV/AIDS ProjectZambia is one of the countries in southern Africa hardest hit by the AIDS epidemic. The country has also been a source of hope when it comes to fighting AIDS. The church in Zambia plays an important role in stopping the spread of AIDS and reducing the stigma surrounding the disease. The Brethren in Christ (BIC) church in Zambia has an HIV/AIDS coordinator to oversee the implementation of AIDS programming for BIC churches throughout the country. The project is providing general awareness information to church members, undertaking basic training in counseling and home-based care for congregations and providing support to orphans and AIDS patients and their families. $357 Cdn./$313 U.S. provides a start-up grant for one church to implement an income-generation project to benefit HIV/AIDS patients in the surrounding community. $357 Cdn./$313 U.S. covers the cost of a training workshop on proper nutrition for HIV/AIDS patients. If contributions to a project exceed the amount needed, MCC will use the donations to support similar projects.
Community for Human DevelopmentMumbwa District is in the Central Province of Zambia, situated along a main road that serves as a major transit point for truck and bus drivers. HIV infection rates in the area are estimated at more than 17%. Throughout Mumbwa, people living with AIDS are stigmatized and experience many forms of discrimination. Life for people living with AIDS is further complicated as their health deteriorates and they are unable to work regularly. The Community for Human Development program works with a network of 40 caregivers to provide support to 100 people living with AIDS and 400 children who have been orphaned by the disease. In additional to counseling and psychological support, the project will provide bicycles to caregivers and goats and gardening supplies to patients. If contributions to a project exceed the amount needed, MCC will use the donations to support similar projects.
Prison Fellowship Patient CarePrison Fellowship (PF) began in Ndola in 1984 and has partnered with MCC since 1998. It is affiliated with Prison Fellowship International, whose core activity is of Christian volunteers organized into care groups attached to local prisons. Prisoners are among the most vulnerable in a developing country. Prison Fellowship engages with prisoners in a respectful and compassionate way - they are a strong advocate for prisoners' rights and for fair treatment and prison conditions. The volunteers conduct church services and offer spiritual support to prisoners. PF Zambia has also been active in health care services in the prisons, as well as rehabilitation of ex convicts. The focus of this project is to improve the health, hygiene, and comfort of the prisoners who are HIV/AIDS positive and on ARV treatment. The funding will be used to purchase high energy protein supplements (HEPS) for distribution to the prisoners. HIVAIDS kits will also be distributed to prisoners, as needed, for their comfort and hygiene. If contributions to a project exceed the amount needed, MCC will use the donations to support similar projects. |
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