The AIDS epidemic is the single biggest
challenge and disaster Zambia, and much of Africa, is facing. At least 1 in 5 people are living with
HIV. No sector of society is unaffected, having a detrimental affect on
families, education, politics and the economy.
Life expectancy is now just 35 years: over 710,000 children are AIDS orphans, whilst nearly half of Zambia's population is under 15 years old. Together with the poverty that many Zambians face (the average wage being less than 60p per day), the statistics become shocking. It is a challenge, however, that must be met if Zambia is ever to have a better future.
Behind the smiles of the family in the photo above is a very tragic story, with baby James being born HIV positive. The whole family structure is changing, with many grandparents no longer being able to look forward to a relaxing retirement or being cared for by their children in old age. This is because the AIDS epidemic is hitting those in their 20s and 30s the hardest, with the result that many young children are being orphaned and then have to be brought up by extended family members.
The baby in this picture, for example,
is now being brought up by her eight
year old cousins.
HIV patients are also encouraged to invest in projects which will help them to
support their family, such as growing and selling crops.
