“It’s time we stepped out of the darkness ” Making a difference: Our work on HIV and AIDS

Chinn from Cambodia is supported by a CAFOD-funded project for children orphaned by AIDS. “Growing up with HIV does not seem like a big problem now. I feel healthy and I’m looking forward to finishing school and getting a home of my own. “If I were brave I would tell people that you can’t catch HIV by talking to me. I don’t want anybody to hate me because of HIV.”

Pius (left) from Kenya takes antiretroviral medication (ARVs) to keep healthy. But ARVs make people feel sick without a decent diet. Our partner, St Francis Community, gave his family seeds and training so they could grow nutritious fruit and veg.

More than half of the 9.5m people living with HIV and AIDS still do not have access to the treatment they need. We work to ensure equal access for all those living in the poorest communities

Magdalen (right) works as a home carer for a CAFOD health project in Nigeria, giving practical and emotional support to people living with HIV. Safaratu (left) says: “Magdalen has become my best friend. She keeps an eye on my general health and if she thinks I am becoming ill she walks to the clinic with me.”

Lucy (left) and Chila work for a CAFOD-funded HIV project in Chile. As a peer educator, Lucy trains young people in sexual issues and HIV awareness. In deprived areas, where girls are vulnerable to sexual exploitation, this work saves lives

“We teach people about HIV and its causes. We also show them how to meditate, so they can face the world with strength.” Oeun (above) is a monk, working for our partner, Salvation Centre Cambodia

Our HIV work is inspired by Catholic social teaching and informed by the human rights entitlements of all

In Zambia, we fund a programme helping people affected by HIV to make a living. Setrida (left) runs a cake stand. She uses the money she earns to care for her nine children

“We encourage children to believe in themselves. We cook nutritious meals and tell them to study hard. We make sure they live life!” Seyma, (right) from Cambodia works for a CAFOD-funded project for children with HIV

“Some still think of HIV as a ‘bad’ disease that happens to ‘bad’ people. We are helping change their opinions.” Alfredo is part of an awareness-raising group run by our partner, CEDES in Mozambique

When his parents died from an AIDS-related illness, Barnabus from Kenya left school to support his younger siblings. Thanks to a CAFOD-funded job scheme, he is now a hairdresser. “I want to make my parents proud,” he says

Emmanuel from Tanzania uses his bike given by CAFOD to visit and people living with HIV. As a male carer, he is breaking down gender stereotypes, and says: "I cycle up to half an hour to visit clients. Without the bike it would be impossible."

“People must be made aware of HIV - how it is passed on and how it is prevented. As soon as my daughter is old enough, I will teach her everything I know.” Sara from Mozambique cares for her daughter and seven younger siblings. CAFOD funds a project in her village which raises awareness about HIV and AIDS and provides food and school materials to families affected by HIV.

Thank you cafod.org.uk/hiv cafod.org.uk/hiv Picture credits:Annie Bungeroth, Bridget Burrows, Caroline Irby, Kate Stanworth, Thomas Omondi,