There are currently 33 million people living with HIV around the world. Of these, 95% are in the developing world. As people grow weaker from the disease, they are unable to work, grow food, care for their children and provide for their daily needs. As parents become sick, many older siblings are forced to quit school to care for their younger brothers and sisters. Some neighbours take in orphans while already having many of their own children to care for. Other children are left homeless. Working with partners in Canada, India, Kenya, Malawi, Nepal, Nicaragua, Pakistan and Tanzania, PWS&D is supporting people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.
PWS&D programs aim to teach people how to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS, while providing testing, treatment, counseling and care for those living with the disease. Patients access medical care and nutritional support through PWS&D-supported hospitals, clinics and hospices, and expecting mothers receive medication to prevent transmission of the disease to their children. Home-based care volunteers help people with their daily needs and assist with mobility and strength exercises. Pastors and lay leaders are taught how to provide pastoral care and promote social acceptance. Orphans and vulnerable children receive shelter, food, emotional support and education at orphan care centres, helping them grow into healthy adults. PWS&D works with other churches to promote the role of men in the struggle against HIV and AIDS, and to promote the rights of those affected by the disease.
Your Gifts Make a Difference!
Through your generous support, people living with HIV and AIDS are once again becoming active members of their communities as they access medical care, nutritional supplements and find acceptance in their families and communities. Make a donation today!
Towards A World Without AIDS Campaign
Can you imagine a world without AIDS? Canadian Presbyterians can. Hearing the call of church partners in Africa, Asia and Central America for help to cope with the global scourge of the HIV and AIDS pandemic, The 130th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Canada launched a special appeal to tackle HIV and AIDS. The appeal, led by PWS&D, has raised over $1.6 million to date. This amount is over and above regular contributions to PWS&D and Presbyterians Sharing, and supports global partners in their fight against HIV and AIDS. The work continues. Responding to the words of Christ: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly,” (John 10:10) the appeal seeks to bear witness to this life-giving proclamation of hope in the face of raw human reality.
Resources
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