World AIDS Day - Special Report

AIDS killed over 2 million people worldwide last year. That’s more than the combined populations of Scotland’s four largest cities, Glasgow, Edinburgh Dundee and Aberdeen.

Globally, around 33.4 million people are living with HIV and AIDS and the vast majority of them are from the world’s poorest countries. SCIAF works with partners across Africa, Asia and Latin America to support people living with HIV and educate communities to help prevent the spread of the virus and reduce the stigma associated with it.

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In Ethiopia, where communities are facing a worsening food crisis, people with HIV and AIDS are particularly vulnerable. Sister Alemash is director of a clinic run by SCIAF’s partner the Daughters of Charity in the Tigray region.

She said: “If the people with HIV whom we treat eat nutritious food and take Antiretroviral (ARV) medication, they can get better. But if they aren’t eating enough, their hunger is worse than normal because of the strong medication. They need more food than other people for their treatment to be effective.”

Bisrat Medhin discovered that she was HIV positive after falling ill five years ago. She began taking ARVs and her health improved dramatically. But as the food crisis intensifies, she faces a constant battle to ensure she stays fit enough to look after her two young sons Abraham, 10 and seven-year-old Ihighelie.

She said. “Often I feel very hungry. I take two tablets at midday, and I try to take some food then, but if there is no food, I have no choice, I don’t eat. Many of the people I know who are also HIV positive tell me the drugs are making them hungrier and since they can’t afford food, they can’t bear this hunger. Some have even decided to stop taking the medicines.

“I am afraid that if prices keep rising I could find myself in that position. For now I am determined to keep taking the drugs because I know they are the only thing keeping me alive and I need to stay healthy to care for my sons.”

The Daughters of Charity clinic provides nutritional and financial support to those like Bisrat who are most at risk from hunger. Thanks to them, she and her young family are hopeful for the future. Bisrat is an active member of a local society for people living with HIV set up with help from the Daughters of Charity.

She added: “In this area there are many people living with HIV. A lot of them hide away and are afraid of it, but I decided to be open so I can help other people. When I tell my story in community groups many people come to me afterwards and ask for my support to come with them when they get tested.

“I am happy that so far, I have survived. I am alive and I hope in the future to continue in this way.”

In 2008, 33,396 people across Africa, Asia and Latin America were helped towards a better life as a direct result of SCIAF funded HIV and AIDS programmes. A further 270,954 people benefited indirectly from our work on HIV and AIDS within their communities.

SCIAF helps communities gain access to HIV testing, medical care and counselling and provides loans and skills training so that people with HIV can earn a living. We also support AIDS widows, orphans and child headed households and educate communities to help stop the spread of HIV and AIDS and reduce stigma associated with the virus.

Donate now to support our work