African Perspective--WORLD AIDS DAY 2023

The most recent UN AIDS Report from 2022 reports that there are hopeful signs in the ongoing struggle with the AIDS Epidemic in Africa. Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Botswana and Tanzania now report that 95% of their population have been tested for HIV/AIDS, are in treatment, and are close to accomplishing viral suppression.

New transmissions in Africa generally are declining each year. In 2022, the report states that there were 3100 new transmissions in adolescent girls and women. However, the stigma of HIV/AIDS is still a hurdle in many African communities, especially in poorer rural areas, and is more of a barrier to men than women when seeking testing and treatment.

The theme of the International Grandmother Gathering in Winnipeg in October was called "Grandmothers-- New Possibilities Rising."   Part of that hopefulness came from the progress reports of people like Kenneth, the founder of ROTOM (REACH ONE, TOUCH ONE) in Uganda. He said that in the 20 years his organization has partnered with SLF, he has watched former orphans grow up and become caregivers themselves of needy families and elderly grandmothers. Kenneth also noted the decrease in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in his country. However there are still challenges ahead. Kenneth noted the high percentage of youth with the virus, the barrier to treatment caused by the new anti-LGBTQ law and the declining respect for the elderly which has lead to violent and abusive behaviour.

More good news comes from Ndenini of Tanzania.

  " This is just the beginning!! "THE GRANNIES HAVE JUST FOUND THEIR MOMENTUM!"  The grandmothers were key when Covid hit Africa. They used the skills and ingenuity developed when dealing with HIV/AIDS to tackle Covid .They made their own masks, ensured there was water for handwashing and made their own soap. As Ndenini sees it, tackling two epidemics at once has been a time of huge empowerment for African grandmothers. You can almost feel hope rising!

In this time of world conflict and upheaval, please take time to remember Africa's Grandmothers and find hope in their progress towards "new possibilities."

Peg Hiscoke

Hands and Hearts for Africa.

Richmond Hill Grandmother Group

 of the Stephen Lewis Foundation