At global conference, CARE highlights holistic approach to AIDS and calls for greater focus on prevention

4 August 2008

Imaya Ephraim, CARE international UK HIV and AIDS Programme and Policy Advisor said: "In its anti-AIDS work around the world, CARE takes a holistic approach."
.
"There's no ‘silver bullet' to stop HIV," he says. "But we are working to improve education, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, income sources, and access to safe water. These elements are vital to helping those at risk protect themselves, and empowering caregivers - mostly women – to reduce the suffering of the sick. We must not let this fight rest on treatment alone. We must aim extraordinary efforts at prevention."

Among the innovative ways CARE works with HIV-affected communities:

• In Burundi, an epidemic of rape and exploitation of women is one of the legacies of 12 years of civil war. CARE works to empower women to gain control over their own bodies and protect themselves against HIV infection. Men and boys are a key part of the solution: CARE encourages men who value their wives and daughters to share their stories, including via radio programs and mobile teams that reach remote areas.
  
• In India, CARE works with sex workers, fostering solidarity among women who have traditionally been isolated and empowering them to protect themselves and educate others about HIV. Instead of treating sex workers as "vectors of disease," the project works in partnership with them in prevention efforts.
  
• In Lesotho, CARE helps families create household gardens to improve nutrition. Additionally, by selling vegetables, chronically ill people and caregivers have a way to make extra income without traveling to distant fields.
  
• In Malawi, CARE works to help women form local savings and credit cooperatives, and provides training about farming and managing natural resources. By investing in small farming enterprises women can pay for school fees and medical expenses.
  
• In Rwanda, a shockingly large proportion of households are headed by orphans or adults too sick or weak to care for the young. CARE has mobilized a network of volunteer mentors, called nkundabana, who help the children develop life skills, encourage them to attend school and access medical services, and provide vital emotional support.

CARE's work on HIV and AIDS began with a single project in 1987. Today CARE's work combating the epidemic spans 40 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America, with spending totaling £92 million in 2007-08.

CARE is sending 35 representatives from 15 countries to the conference, which opens Sunday in Mexico City.

"Above all, we hope to bring attention to the voices of people at the frontlines of the epidemic: communities, family members, orphans and vulnerable children, who daily confront huge challenges," says Imaya. "Working far from the public spotlight, they are the true heroes in the epic struggle against the pandemic."

Ends -

Interviews with CARE experts and field staff available.
Contact: Alina Labrada, +1 404 457 4644,
Rick Perera, +1 404 457 4649,