UNICEF Malaysia: Prostanita - Empowering women and girls, one conversation at a time

SUNGEI PETANI, KEDAH, 1 April 2008 - The story of the late Sami and his wife Ama (not their real names) is one that is becoming increasingly common in their low-cost housing community and surrounding neighborhoods in the northern Malaysian state of Kedah.

First came drug addiction, then HIV, a double burden that Sami and his family have borne for more than 13 years. Samis infection was devastating for his wife, who was already caring for their three children, including one with mental disabilities. After years of counselling and support, she has managed to come to uneasy terms with the illness.

We women have to take care of our husbands, and ourselves, she says. We must also be aware and make sure our husbands dont go out and start taking drugs, because thats where it all starts.

http://www.unicef.org/malaysia/reallives_7960.html

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• unicef malaysia
• HIV
• AIDS
• prostanita
• women
• girls
• education
• prevention
• peer-to-peer
• steve nettleton