Int Conf AIDS 1996 Jul 7-12; 11:208 (abstract no. Th.17) Nyirenda K; Minbank Medical Services, Zambia.
Zambia is a poor country. Most people cannot afford basic necessities. The welfare, medical and education services do not provide decent opportunities for the poor. 25% of the sexually active population is HIV+, which combines harshly with extreme poverty. I discovered I was HIV+ at 20, and was chased from home. I found work at an HIV project, but was rejected after I had my second child. My older son is healthy, but the baby is not. I do not know what will happen to them. I am a single parent and struggle to earn US$50 per month. Children are affected by HIV. They may nurse parents, often with no emotional or material support. Malnutrition has risen, and education is interrupted by poverty and distress. Conflict between parents also causes stress. Domestic violence is common. Young women are exposed to HIV, especially by older men. HIV programmes are under-resourced, although expensive visiting experts abound. Education in crippled by pseudo-Christian moralising, and leaders cannot make a united commitment to an effective programme. Official programmes are sluggish, whilst good projects are under-funded. We need local commitment and frontline funding if we are to be successful. This is urgent.
Keywords: AEGIS, Family, Social Welfare, Poverty, HIV Infections, Child Care, Single Parent, Child of Impaired Parents, Family Planning, Sex Education, Zambia, Child, Infant, Human, Male, Female, education, ICA11
