|
AIDS. Care Now. Donate Now
Egypt
About EgyptWhile infection rates remain low, the need for education and infection control is still present. Voluntary counselling and testing centers have recently opened, and groups with a higher risk of infection—such as refugees and street children—are being helped through education and care efforts.
MCC Supports:Council of Services and Development — Synod of the Nile (CSD) While the HIV prevalence rate in Egypt is low, the Council of Services and Development (a program of the Coptic Orthodox Church) recognizes that a low rate does not imply a low risk, especially for youths. A number of factors, such as unemployment, poverty, poor access to health care, intravenous drug use, and risky sexual behaviour, put both youths and adults in danger of HIV infection. Through this program, the church will provide education about HIV and AIDS to 4,500 people. The goal for 2009 is to promote HIV/AIDS education in 21 villages. $6 Cdn./$5 U.S. provides an HIV/AIDS education manual for one teacher. $435 Cdn./$382 U.S. covers the cost of a seminar for 80 couples on HIV/AIDS education for themselves and their children. If contributions to a project exceed the amount needed, MCC will use the donations to support similar projects. BLESS HIVAIDS Awareness ProgramMany young men from low income communities seek work abroad or at tourist resorts where they are more likely to encounter HIV/AIDS. Without accurate knowledge regarding the virus or how it is spread, they are at risk for contracting the disease, bringing it home, and infecting their wives. HIV/AIDS is a controversial subject in Egypt, and there is a lack of knowledge regarding the disease and great stigma surrounding those infected. Training sessions for community leaders and young men and women will help correct misinformation regarding HIV/AIDS. If contributions to a project exceed the amount needed, MCC will use the donations to support similar projects. |
|
|
