6th July, 2011

JILL CAVENAGH

Sustainable development is a subject close to my heart and I have discovered the HOPE for Aids project, underpinned by SIM (Serving in Mission), to provide care, service to others and a “can-do” attitude that presses forward in the future of many countries who have high numbers of people suffering with this disease.

SETTING AN INSPIRING EXAMPLE: The HOPE for AIDS website

The HOPE for Aids projects not only provide hope in the present time but also hope for the future and recognises the important role that children play in the countries affected. As Christians, we love acronyms and this is no exception; with HOPE consisting of these principles:

• Home-based care where volunteers working through local churches and communities provide care without distinction. These volunteers help people care for themselves and cope with the daily burden of disease that sufferers have.

• Ophan care, which supports those children who are left behind by HIV/AIDS and encourages family and community support for these vulnerable young people.

• Prevention strategies are encouraged to limit the transmission of disease through positive environments, decision making and behaviour choices.

• Enabling organisations associated with the projects to educate, build support and be equipped to respond appropriately to the disease crisis that exists.

World Health Organisation statistics reveal that approximately 33.3 million people are living with AIDS and each year 2.6 million are newly infected. What a challenge it is to combat this deadly disease! We are blessed to have in existence organisations which are committed to the fight and have the frameworks in place to do so.

Is has been said that "Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future" (John F Kennedy) so let’s take hold of that and make sure we do all things possible to provide HOPE to those who suffer now and in the years to come.

~ www.who.int/hiv/data/2009_global_summary.png

~ hopeforaids.org

~ www.jfklibrary.org/Research/Ready-Reference/JFK-Miscellaneous-Information/Appeal-UNICEF.aspx

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