CARE helps individuals and communities protect themselves from contracting HIV, reduce the negative social and economic effects of the epidemic and protect the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS around the world.
AIDS harms all of humanity, but it is particularly devastating to women. Young women now account for 76 percent of African youth living with HIV/AIDS. Bearing the double burden of dire poverty and gender discrimination, many women in developing countries have no standing to negotiate safe choices. Whether infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, women suffer from stigmatization and discrimination, which often leads to denial of such rights as health care, employment, property, inheritance and education.
Case in Point: Lyduine
Lyduine is a wife and mother living in a rural village in central Burundi. During her country's violent past, Lyduine was raped and became infected with HIV.
As part of a comprehensive approach to improving livelihoods in the village, CARE encouraged residents to get tested for HIV. CARE and our partner, Society for Women against AIDS in Africa, explained that there are steps people can take to improve their health, even if they test positive for HIV.
Lyduine was among the first to be tested: "With the help of CARE and SWAA I have learned how to live positively with HIV/AIDS. I encouraged many people in my community to test themselves. With CARE's training, I have developed the skill to speak out in public. In the communal elections, I am going to run for Chef de Colline [literally, "chief of the hill"], and I think I might win. The future looks positive."
