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“Emmanuel had skin lesions and sores in his mouth,” said his aunt. “I got both children tested for AIDS, and Emmanuel was positive. I worried that he would infect my children.” Like many Africans, Emmanuel’s aunt believed AIDS was a bewitching that should be treated by a witchdoctor. And anyone with AIDS should be shunned so the “evil spell” would not infect them. That is part of what it means to be an AIDS orphan; forced to care for younger siblings and be the head of the household, vulnerable to others taking advantage of them, and often shunned by others in the community. It is a path that many cannot walk down without help. Food for the Hungry helped Emmanuel and others like him by working with the leaders, churches and families in his community. An AIDS Association was started that educates the community and cares for the sick and dying. Through friends and neighbors who run the community AIDS Association, Emmanuel’s aunt learned that good hygiene and nutrition are critical for a family caring for someone with AIDS. She learned what personal items to keep separate from other household members. Also, hospital visits replaced visits to the witchdoctor. Regular treatments and medication now ward off opportunistic infections. Volunteers from the community and church regularly visit the family. Emmanuel and his sister have come a long way since the day his aunt found them. Emmanuel is strong and happy and as Food for the Hungry continues to work in his community, he has opportunities that would never have been available to him. “My disease makes my heart sad, but taking care of my goats makes me happy,” Emmanuel said. You can make a real difference in the lives of children like Emmanuel. Click here to sponsor a child like Emmanuel in an AIDS-affected community. Click here to fund our AIDS work in Africa and around the world. |
