Day 8: Helping HIV/AIDS Victims

Today, June 23rd, the group met with local AMICAALL Program leaders to discuss the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Swaziland. According to the activists, Swaziland has a national HIV/AIDS percentage of 42.1% - that is, 42.1% of the country is HIV positive, the highest in the world. The group then visited the Mahwalala Red Cross point where HIV/AIDS patients are treated and have formed a support group within the community. The group discussed the topic of HIV/AIDS at length and learned a great deal about the virus.

After the Red Cross visit, the group went to a local Care Point, where orphaned children were schooled and fed. These children include the vulnerable and those with one or no parents. The group distributed clothes, shoes and school supplies to assist the children in their learning.

Finally, the group visited a local family affected by HIV/AIDS. The grandmother of the family was caring for several of her children as well as a few grandchildren, one of which was infected with the HIV virus. Again, the group donated groceries, clothes and shoes to the family and learned a little bit about how they had been affected by the virus.