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What it means to be an HIV-positive woman without support!  

Marina [name has been changed to protect her identity] is frail. She suffers from cramps, and sores in her nostrils. She will benefit from antiretroviral [ARV] treatments paid by AZUR Développement [AZUR Development].   Marina is penniless and hence a member of the association ESPOIR, who supports those living with HIV/AIDS, was compelled to give her 2000 CFA francs (or $4 US) for the consultation with and transportation to Pointe Noire’s Ambulatory Treatment Centre [CTA], where those infected with AIDS are treated. Only her youngest sister knows of her serology. She was tested positive in 2004. Her lover died in 1992.

More on the story at this link: http://azurweb.blogspot.com/2006/12/what-it-means-to-be-hiv-positive-woman.html  

HIV/AIDS, simple acts that evoke hope  

This morning, we are going to visit four people living with HIV/AIDS - three women and one man”, said the project’s manager.   Josée [name has been changed to protect her identity] is in her fifties. Her husband was once hospitalised and when sent to hospital was administered an HIV/AIDS test. Faced with his own health, he returned home only to pack all of his things and leave.She learned of her own serology at the hospital and was quite traumatised. The doctor, not being prepared, had great difficulty in announcing all her clinical results.   Maurice'story: The widowed 40-year-old man has eight children, three of whom are in his care. His name is Maurice. He has been on the antibiotic bactrim since 2002; his wife passed away in December 2003. At times he sells salted; however, due to lack of resources he has abandoned his small trade. If supported, he could do some truck farming. His parents do not know of his serology; only his brother-in-law and one of his younger brothers occasionally come to help him.   He fears being discriminated. Maurice tries to take care of himself by applying the nutritional advice he received at group talks organized by AZUR Development and the association ESPOIR.

More on the story at this link: http://azurweb.blogspot.com/2006/12/hivaids-simple-acts-that-evoke-hope.html  

Providing hope and support where it is needed  

Drawing from various surveys and reports, AZUR Development has found that those living with HIV/AIDS were not well supported by the majority population. Sometimes they are rejected by their families, lose their jobs and give up all hope for life. However, today there is new expectation in the fight against HIV/AIDS thanks to technological advancements and antiretroviral [ARV] treatments, which increase the life expectancy of those infected with HIV/AIDS. Following a workshop on palliative care in December 2005, AZUR Development has set out to fulfill its goal to support 100 people infected with HIV/AIDS by providing them with psychological and nutritional assistance, home visits and access to medicine.

More on this project at http://www.azurdev.org/en/pwith.htm

100 people living with HIV/AIDS in Pointe-Noire will are being helped

The rate of HIV-infected individuals in a certain geographic location or population as measured by blood tests in Pointe-Noire is 5%. In 2003 it was estimated that 110,000 people in the Congo were living with HIV. Today, at least 1,500 people are infected each year in Pointe-Noire alone.

Drawing from various surveys and reports, AZUR Development has found that those living with HIV/AIDS were not well supported by the majority population. Sometimes they are rejected by their families, lose their jobs and give up all hope for life. However, today there is new expectation in the fight against HIV/AIDS thanks to technological advancements and antiretroviral [ARV] treatments, which increase the life expectancy of those infected with HIV/AIDS.

Following a workshop on palliative care in December 2005, AZUR Development has set out to fulfill its goal to support 100 people infected with HIV/AIDS by providing them with psychological and nutritional assistance, home visits and access to medicine.

We are already assisting children orphaned by AIDS in this city.

One must remember that at this time there are only two ambulatory treatment centres in the Congo ; the one in Brazzaville opened in 1994 and the other in Pointe-Noire in 1999. Thus, those living with HIV/AIDS in other regions of the country are left to fend for themselves.

With your support we can achieve our goal. To contribute, please write to programmes@azurdev.org or call 00242-656-61-89.

Involving pygmies or indigenous women in the fight against AIDS

AZUR Development and Association des Peuples Autochtones du Congo [APAC] have forged a partnership to strengthen the autonomy of pygmy women in the Bouenza, Lékoumou and Niari regions.

Now until 2007 both organisations will develop activities targeted at pygmy women such as providing training and support for revenue-generating activities, promoting women’s right, educating children and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS, among others.

For more information, please write to programmes@azurdev.org.

Information and advice on health issues

The Lissanga website offersuseful and current information on health issues in the Congo and Africa . Please visit http://www.lissanga.org/Sante.htm (in French).

Our e-newsletter, Lissanga Infos

Since June 2005 we have published an e-newsletter entitled Lissanga Infos. This publication is distributed to more than 500 people and NGOs in Africa and discusses topics such as HIV/AIDS, information and communication technologies [ICTs], women, social assistance, scholarships, employment, training, worldwide workshop agendas and conferences, among others.

To subscribe or contribute to our e-newsletter, write to info@azurdev.org.

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