Caring together

Sub-Saharan Africa is home for ¾ of world's people living with HIV/AIDS. It is estimated that more of the 25% of the adult population is HIV positive.

HIV and AIDS will kill more people this decade that all the wars and disasters in the past 50 years. Since the epidemic began, 25 million people have died and more than 40 million are now living with HIV. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has been involved in the fight against the spread of the HIV since the mid-1980s. With its 100 million volunteers, the International Federation is able to play an essential role in coordinating and supporting local efforts to combat the disease.

Empowering communities is at the centre of the International Federation's action on HIV. Trained Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers involved in home-based care programmes have a unique role. They visit clients, support their adherence to treatment, motivate safe behaviour, and give advice on nutrition, health and hygiene. They also offer psychosocial support to both clients and their families.

To enhance Red Cross and Red Crescent HIV/AIDS interventions, the Federation will continue to work with partners whose complementary activities provide the synergy needed for success. Currently, the Federation is a member of the "International Partnership against AIDS in Africa", a partnership that links the Federation to African and donor governments, as well as UN agencies and private sector organizations committed to fighting AIDS.

More information: http://www.ifrc.org/hivaids/

Year: 2005
Duration: 26 minutes 54 seconds

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Red
• Cross
• Crescent
• International
• IFRC
• Disaster
• Relief
• Preparedness
• Health
• Humanitarian
• Assistance
• Volunteers
• Humanity