Widows Respond to HIV/AIDS Crisis | ||||
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LUSAKA, Zambia, November 29, 2007— “Each time I saw other children go to school when mine were not, a lump of distress would come up my throat,” says Maiwase Mbewe as she hitches up and secures her ‘chitenje,’ or wrap-around cloth, in readiness to rejoin a group of other AIDS widows in a dance of celebration. The celebration dance of joy is part of a ceremony for a group visiting the Musanga Ward Community, a cluster of 120 villages with 1,225 households and a total population of 7,120. A six-hour drive from Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia, Musanga is a far flung remote border village, east of Chipata in the Eastern Province. It is home to the Madaliso Widows, Orphans and Vulnerable Children Community Support project. The widows and orphans are victims of an HIV/AIDS epidemic that has swept their community. Chipata district has an estimated population of 369,443 with an HIV prevalence rate of 26.3 percent, the highest in the province. The rate far exceeds the provincial average of 13 percent and the national average of 16 percent. Educating Those Orphaned by AIDS
“We began very small with very little money supporting 74 orphans with only 16 attending school,” Mbewe says of her group. “When word went around, more and more children came for support and for school. It was not long before our school was overwhelmed by the number of children.” Before long, according to Mbewe, the makeshift building started to fall apart. That’s when the Widows received $17,028 from the CRAIDS (Community Response to HIV and AIDS) component of the Zambia National Response to AIDS (ZANARA) project. The money was to support among other things;
“When we received support from CRAIDS our first priority was to build a decent school structure [that] you see standing there,” Maiwase says, pointing to a blue and white structure that has become the pride of the community. The widows now look after 572 orphans, 200 of whom attend school. And this year they have scored another victory. Thirteen orphans have graduated from their school and will enter Grade 8 in secondary education in government school. “This is a big achievement for us,” says Maiwase with a big smile. “With the gains in income we have made from our poultry project financed by CRAIDS, we are able to support the 13 orphans in secondary school. So you see, I have no lumps in my throat any more and today, when my tears roll down, they are tears of joy.” Reducing AIDS-related Deaths Although the rehabilitation of the school was the Widow’s first priority, the group is also well known for its work in the direct fight against HIV/AIDS. Misozi Phiri, a widow and one of the community project founding members, explains the achievements with a subdued smile and quiet demeanor.“Most of the chronically ill are no longer bedridden and now live productive lives,” she says. “Most of them have gone back to their villages to plough their fields. From a total of 247 chronically ill patients, half were bedridden; we now have only 10 patients on our register who are bedridden. But with the support from the community, they are getting better everyday and living positively.” The work of the group has been strengthened by the support provided by a government clinic a few kilometers away. The clinic advises on nutritional support through home-based care and the provision of Antiretrovirals. “Now we do not see many deaths in the community,” says Phiri. “We have been able to reach everyone in the community with HIV and AIDS information mainly through drama, and people talk about HIV and AIDS issues freely.” Both Phiri and Mbewe believe that CRAIDS’ support has not only empowered the Widows to openly talk about their own HIV status, but has also helped them promote income-generating activities as individuals and as a group. The members are now able to provide for the basic needs of their families. “Things have really changed for the better,” says Phiri. “Where as in the past we were marginalized as widows, we are now treated with dignity and respect as full members of this community.” And more importantly, Phiri says, the community has learned to support each other. “Stigmatization has tremendously reduced,” she says. | ||||
Monday, March 10, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
How it all began
Meeting Dr. Cary Rasoff was when the direction of my life changed for ever and for good. Everything became clear and I knew immediately that the Bodisattva path that I had been on for more than 20 years had been been all leading to this very moment. It was immediately after the Tsunami hit Sumatra, Thailand and India on December 26, 2001. I was shocked and mesmerized by the television news footage of the devastation that had wiped out entire communities without warning. I couldn't tear myself away from the television as it replayed again and again the same clips of this tragic natural disaster.
The more I watched, the more hopeless and helpless I felt. How could I live with the pain of knowing that I felt so for the mass of people whose lives were taken in such a shocking and tragic way. Understandably, many people were so overwhelmed that they refused to watch the news at all. But I was already so emotionally involved and there was no way to turn my back on the problem.|
After several hours of watching as the estimated numbers of so called"casualties" (a word I can't quite come to terms with), was growing by the hundreds and thousands, my attention was drawn to a man who spoke in Indonesian about the heart break of loosing his family and his home. It was in that moment I realized that I had to do something, anything. I knew that the only way to deal with the sorrow, was to get proactive. But what was I to do, I wasn't a Doctor, or a Nurse, and I didn't have great financial resources, but I knew that it wasn't a coincidence that I had booked my New Years holiday in the neighboring island of Bali. There simply was no way I could enjoy a holiday in Bali, while people were suffering a disaster that had wiped out 180,000 people nearby.
The signs were there, I had a ticket and I knew how to speak a little Indonesian so I thought that I might be able to offer some help. Not knowing exactly what I would be called to do, I trusted that Spirit had taken care of the details and all I had to do was show up. "Who do you think you are?", my ego mind asked. I wasn't a trained relief worker. Well intended friends who were feeling the collective fear of the treat Muslim terrorists tried convince me that it was too dangerous to go to a country that had been closed to for many years and had a strong anti-American political policy. And my heart said "Trust in the Divine, you are guided and protected". Then and there, I knew I was not in any danger and I knew I was going to Sumatra.
Now, I only needed to decide what would be the most helpful thing I could do. I put out the word to my community and within 24 hours I had $10,000. My research told me that the one thing that was most needed was drinking water, since all the underground wells in the areas near the ocean had been contaminated with sea water and sewage. Further inquiry led me to the Ketadyne Water Filter company who graciously offered a 50% discount on their portable water filters. I filled up six suitcases with water processing filters and medical supplies that had been donated by generous local doctors and clinics and I flew to my first stop in Bali.
When I arrived I was told that the airport was closed and there would be no way to get to Sumatra. People continued to try to convince me that it was dangerous and that I would only be a hinderance to"real" rescue operations. Once again I heard, "You are guided and protected" so I went to the airport confident that there would be a flight and that I was going to be on it. The next day, to the amazement of everyone, the airlines announced that the airport was open, and ta seat was available, Within 24 hours I was on the first flight into Banda Aceh along with 500 relief workers. It was on that flight, that I met Dr. Cary. He asked me who I was working with, and I told him I was there on my own. I went on to explain how only a few days earlier I had been sitting in California watching the news clips and how I had been called to take action.
He asked what supplies I was bringing and I told him I had water filters and antibiotics for children. His face lit up, as he spoke of the one thing which his organization had asked him to bring but that he couldn't find, children's antibiotics. It was clear that this was not a chance meeting.
The experience of being of true service and in the hand of the Divine, was so powerful that I remember thinking that I had never felt so alive and wondered if my life had taken a different path, how I would have loved to devote my life to the service to those who were in extreme suffering. Fast forward a couple of years, when I suddenly found my life path completely turned upside down, and I realized that I was now available to live that life I had dreamed about years before.
I hadn't had time during our flight to Banda Ache, to tell him about the work was doing with women's co-op's in Nepal and Indonesia. Now years later, I wondered if he could give me some direction on how to go about living the life I felt so drawn to, so I looked up Dr. Cary on the internet. I remembered the trust I had in his wisdom, his compassion and his ability to see the Divine in every situation. As we talked, I explained how my companies Mango Moon and Gaiya Tribe were my tools for empowering women by helping them to create and market their handicrafts at fair trade markets in America and Europe. It was wonderful to reconnect and hear about all his works in the world. We agreed to keep in touch, but it was many months before I would hear from him again. This time he was in Zambia.
The more I watched, the more hopeless and helpless I felt. How could I live with the pain of knowing that I felt so for the mass of people whose lives were taken in such a shocking and tragic way. Understandably, many people were so overwhelmed that they refused to watch the news at all. But I was already so emotionally involved and there was no way to turn my back on the problem.|
After several hours of watching as the estimated numbers of so called"casualties" (a word I can't quite come to terms with), was growing by the hundreds and thousands, my attention was drawn to a man who spoke in Indonesian about the heart break of loosing his family and his home. It was in that moment I realized that I had to do something, anything. I knew that the only way to deal with the sorrow, was to get proactive. But what was I to do, I wasn't a Doctor, or a Nurse, and I didn't have great financial resources, but I knew that it wasn't a coincidence that I had booked my New Years holiday in the neighboring island of Bali. There simply was no way I could enjoy a holiday in Bali, while people were suffering a disaster that had wiped out 180,000 people nearby.
The signs were there, I had a ticket and I knew how to speak a little Indonesian so I thought that I might be able to offer some help. Not knowing exactly what I would be called to do, I trusted that Spirit had taken care of the details and all I had to do was show up. "Who do you think you are?", my ego mind asked. I wasn't a trained relief worker. Well intended friends who were feeling the collective fear of the treat Muslim terrorists tried convince me that it was too dangerous to go to a country that had been closed to for many years and had a strong anti-American political policy. And my heart said "Trust in the Divine, you are guided and protected". Then and there, I knew I was not in any danger and I knew I was going to Sumatra.
Now, I only needed to decide what would be the most helpful thing I could do. I put out the word to my community and within 24 hours I had $10,000. My research told me that the one thing that was most needed was drinking water, since all the underground wells in the areas near the ocean had been contaminated with sea water and sewage. Further inquiry led me to the Ketadyne Water Filter company who graciously offered a 50% discount on their portable water filters. I filled up six suitcases with water processing filters and medical supplies that had been donated by generous local doctors and clinics and I flew to my first stop in Bali.
When I arrived I was told that the airport was closed and there would be no way to get to Sumatra. People continued to try to convince me that it was dangerous and that I would only be a hinderance to"real" rescue operations. Once again I heard, "You are guided and protected" so I went to the airport confident that there would be a flight and that I was going to be on it. The next day, to the amazement of everyone, the airlines announced that the airport was open, and ta seat was available, Within 24 hours I was on the first flight into Banda Aceh along with 500 relief workers. It was on that flight, that I met Dr. Cary. He asked me who I was working with, and I told him I was there on my own. I went on to explain how only a few days earlier I had been sitting in California watching the news clips and how I had been called to take action.
He asked what supplies I was bringing and I told him I had water filters and antibiotics for children. His face lit up, as he spoke of the one thing which his organization had asked him to bring but that he couldn't find, children's antibiotics. It was clear that this was not a chance meeting.
The experience of being of true service and in the hand of the Divine, was so powerful that I remember thinking that I had never felt so alive and wondered if my life had taken a different path, how I would have loved to devote my life to the service to those who were in extreme suffering. Fast forward a couple of years, when I suddenly found my life path completely turned upside down, and I realized that I was now available to live that life I had dreamed about years before.
I hadn't had time during our flight to Banda Ache, to tell him about the work was doing with women's co-op's in Nepal and Indonesia. Now years later, I wondered if he could give me some direction on how to go about living the life I felt so drawn to, so I looked up Dr. Cary on the internet. I remembered the trust I had in his wisdom, his compassion and his ability to see the Divine in every situation. As we talked, I explained how my companies Mango Moon and Gaiya Tribe were my tools for empowering women by helping them to create and market their handicrafts at fair trade markets in America and Europe. It was wonderful to reconnect and hear about all his works in the world. We agreed to keep in touch, but it was many months before I would hear from him again. This time he was in Zambia.
Zambia Project
It was months later when Dr.Cary e-mailed me from Zambia. His message was short. All it said was, "The women in Zambia need you". My answer was almost as short, "When do you want me to come. And where the heck is Zambia?" I trusted in his vision, and I trusted in his experience.
Dr Cary Rasoff has worked with the most effective relief agencies in the world, including Doctors without Boarders, and MERLIN (Medical Emergency Relief International Network). So when he said he was in Zambia and he thought I could be of service I didn't think twice.
When he choose Zambia, he had set out to find the people with the most need and I believe he has found them.
Zambia is a landlocked country in the Sub-Sahara area of southern Africa. It was an English colony until the 1960's so English is the native language and Zambia is not experiencing war. It is rich in mineral mining and had natural resources. So why is it the poorest country in Africa? The division of wealth is criminal, with only 14% of the population living in cities, and an unemployment rate greater than 50% , 10 million (86%) people are living below the poverty level, earning less than $1 per day.
The project that Dr Cary is heading is a model village with a school, a medical clinic, housing, farming and a community kitchen. His goal is to create a working model sustainable village that can eventually be a teaching facility for neighboring villages. With his experience and his wisdom, he has the vision and the skills to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of widowed women and orphaned children. He has put out the call to experts with compassionate hearts who can offer green and sustainable solutions to the problems that these people are facing.
What are the problems that are causing mass genocide in Zambia today? With nearly the entire population of sexually active men and women between the ages of 15 and 30 virtually being wiped out from HIV/AIDS, there is a tremendous problem with orphaned children and widowed elderly women. It is estimated that Zambia has approximately 800,000 orphans at this time, many infected at birth. Local folk lore states that having sex with a virgin will cure AIDS, so rape of young girls is also a problem in this area. According to statistics complied by the World Health Organization, 21% of Zambia's 11 million people are infected with the HIV virus, resulting in an average expected life-span of only 33 years.
Traditional tribal life in Zambia, like most more natural societies, has always been set up for the working age generation to provide shelter and food for their aging parents, while the grandparents help out by taking care of the young grandchildren. Tragically, this is not the case now in Zambia, because an entire generation of Zambia's working age youth have been wiped out. So who is caring for these orphaned children? The problem was left in the hands of the aging grandmothers who have been doing their best to take in and care for as many children as they can. Living in mud huts, sleeping on dirt floors without blankets, they huddle together for warmth in night with temperatures that can drop to 40F (5c) these compassionate grandmothers are taking in not only their own grandchildren, but many other children who have no family left to help them. These orphans and grandmothers are without blankets and must Due to Global warming monsoons are becoming increasingly stronger, with this years flooding wiping out many of the fragile structures in which these grandmothers and children call their homes. Indigenous crops that were once a viable source of nourishment increasingly fail due to the changes in climate. Unaware of the global climate changes and the world situation, the grandmothers and children who are working in the fields continue to try to farm failing crops that once flourished.
Heavy monsoons cause flooding with annual rainfall of about 50 in (125 cm), from November to April. Without sufficient water storage there are droughts in the summers which results in only 50% of the population has access to safe drinking water. Malaria is one of the worst threads to the children and elderly who are already weak from malnutrition. It is estimated that through out the combined sub-Saharan Africa countries of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana, 500 million people are infected with Malaria and more than a million children younger than five die each year.
Dr Cary Rasoff has worked with the most effective relief agencies in the world, including Doctors without Boarders, and MERLIN (Medical Emergency Relief International Network). So when he said he was in Zambia and he thought I could be of service I didn't think twice.
When he choose Zambia, he had set out to find the people with the most need and I believe he has found them.
Zambia is a landlocked country in the Sub-Sahara area of southern Africa. It was an English colony until the 1960's so English is the native language and Zambia is not experiencing war. It is rich in mineral mining and had natural resources. So why is it the poorest country in Africa? The division of wealth is criminal, with only 14% of the population living in cities, and an unemployment rate greater than 50% , 10 million (86%) people are living below the poverty level, earning less than $1 per day.
The project that Dr Cary is heading is a model village with a school, a medical clinic, housing, farming and a community kitchen. His goal is to create a working model sustainable village that can eventually be a teaching facility for neighboring villages. With his experience and his wisdom, he has the vision and the skills to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of widowed women and orphaned children. He has put out the call to experts with compassionate hearts who can offer green and sustainable solutions to the problems that these people are facing.
What are the problems that are causing mass genocide in Zambia today? With nearly the entire population of sexually active men and women between the ages of 15 and 30 virtually being wiped out from HIV/AIDS, there is a tremendous problem with orphaned children and widowed elderly women. It is estimated that Zambia has approximately 800,000 orphans at this time, many infected at birth. Local folk lore states that having sex with a virgin will cure AIDS, so rape of young girls is also a problem in this area. According to statistics complied by the World Health Organization, 21% of Zambia's 11 million people are infected with the HIV virus, resulting in an average expected life-span of only 33 years.
Traditional tribal life in Zambia, like most more natural societies, has always been set up for the working age generation to provide shelter and food for their aging parents, while the grandparents help out by taking care of the young grandchildren. Tragically, this is not the case now in Zambia, because an entire generation of Zambia's working age youth have been wiped out. So who is caring for these orphaned children? The problem was left in the hands of the aging grandmothers who have been doing their best to take in and care for as many children as they can. Living in mud huts, sleeping on dirt floors without blankets, they huddle together for warmth in night with temperatures that can drop to 40F (5c) these compassionate grandmothers are taking in not only their own grandchildren, but many other children who have no family left to help them. These orphans and grandmothers are without blankets and must Due to Global warming monsoons are becoming increasingly stronger, with this years flooding wiping out many of the fragile structures in which these grandmothers and children call their homes. Indigenous crops that were once a viable source of nourishment increasingly fail due to the changes in climate. Unaware of the global climate changes and the world situation, the grandmothers and children who are working in the fields continue to try to farm failing crops that once flourished.
Heavy monsoons cause flooding with annual rainfall of about 50 in (125 cm), from November to April. Without sufficient water storage there are droughts in the summers which results in only 50% of the population has access to safe drinking water. Malaria is one of the worst threads to the children and elderly who are already weak from malnutrition. It is estimated that through out the combined sub-Saharan Africa countries of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana, 500 million people are infected with Malaria and more than a million children younger than five die each year.
What are the Solutions?
Dr. Cary has a systematic working plan with practical answers to these problems. His vision includes re-education on farming and nutrition, to introduce food that will grow in their changing climates. His medical facility will treat and educate against the spread of HIV/AIDS. One of the problems facing who have been infected with HIV/AIDS is the lack of understanding about the way it is transmitted and the way it is treated. Special medications, and preventive methods, such as nets and natural pesticides will be available to combat Malaria and other pest transmitted diseases.
The compound school will teach basic education along with traditional folk music and dance and practical skills to the children. The women will have a facility for handicrafts which will be promoted in the United States to people who support fair trade markets. The opportunity to create an income from their handicrafts gives a real sense of dignity and hope for a sustainable future.
A short antidote is his story about a recent meeting with the local village chief in which he was asking for the blessings for his project. His first step was to learn about the proper etiquette for showing respect to the most powerful man in the village, To his surprise, he learned that until he had a live chicken to offer, there would be no meeting. Chicken in hand, he layed out his vision for the village near Ndola. The meeting was successful, and he came away with an acre of prime farm land in which he is able to build the relief compound.
Dr Cary is sensitive to native traditions and has no agenda for converting or imposing outside ideals or foreign religious principles. His intention is simply to help a forgotten people who are part of our global community. With the help of others like Dr. Cary who have skills, resources and compassion, we are ready to make a reality of Dr. Cary's vision.
Link to the History of Zambia
http://www.go2africa.com/zambia/african-safari-guide/history-of-zambia
Link to Malaria in Zambia
http://www.path.org/projects/malaria_control_partnership.php
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