FOCUS
Promoting Health and Fighting Disease
MDGs ADDRESSED
MDG 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases
MDG 8: Create a global partnership for development
OVERVIEW
Since its independence in 1966, Botswana has had one of the highest rates of economic growth in the world. The country has combined its rich natural resources (diamonds) with sound fiscal management and forty years of peaceful civilian government free of corruption. However, Botswana’s long-term security is threatened by the second highest HIV/AIDS rate in the world, with close to 40% of the adult population infected.
Malaria is another major public health problem in Botswana, since 40-50% of the population is exposed to the risk of infection. Malaria is prevalent throughout much of the country, however the northern part has the highest transmission rate, accounting for more than 80% of all cases. Additionally, the high numbers of people living with HIV/AIDS, whose immune systems are already compromised, are at a greater risk of dying from malaria if infected.
Our PARTNER
Episcopal Relief and Development is partnering with Holy Cross Hospice in Gaborone, a ministry of the Anglican Cathedral of Botswana, to provide care and support for people with HIV/AIDS and their families. Holy Cross Hospice began in 1994 in effort to reach out to the terminally ill.
Episcopal Relief and Development is working with the Anglican Diocese of Botswana, part of the Church of the Province of Central Africa to implement the NetsforLifeSM malaria prevention partnership. The diocese has also taken a leading role in caring for people dying from HIV/AIDS and supporting families and vulnerable children.
Our CURRENT PROGRAMS
Episcopal Relief and Development is providing quality health care and psycho-social services to people living with HIV/AIDS in Gaborone, as well as supporting children orphaned by the disease. All care is delivered free of charge.
Episcopal Relief and Development is protecting the most vulnerable—pregnant women and young children—from contracting malaria, an easily preventable disease. Our commitment will ensure that people have the awareness and tools needed to protect themselves and their children from malaria.
Promoting Health and Fighting Disease
Episcopal Relief and Development is ensuring that people living with HIV/AIDS have access to quality nursing services, palliative care, and psycho-social services to deal with the emotional and spiritual aspects of the disease. Programs for families affected by the disease include pre-school and early childhood care for patients’ children.
Episcopal Relief and Development is also teaching and equipping individuals to prevent malaria in their communities. The program will reach 49,500 people by the end of 2008.
- Home-based caregivers provide quality palliative care for patients in their homes and counsel family members.
- A day-center program allows people living with HIV/AIDS an opportunity to get out of the home, participate in group psycho-social activities, and receive two nutritious meals a day free of charge.
- Craftmaking activities provide opportunities to earn additional income.
- Day care for orphans during the school holidays ensure that children get a healthy meal every day.
- Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, along with training on the proper use of nets, ensures that the most vulnerable are protected from the Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit malaria.
- Trained malaria “agents” and volunteers instruct community members in malaria prevention and treatment methods.
Our PAST ACHIEVEMENTS
In previous years, Episcopal Relief and Development has assisted Holy Cross Hospice by:
- Supporting nurses and social workers to work with family members to care for the dying.
- Providing care and support to people suffering with AIDS and their families with volunteer home-based caregivers.
- Equipping a community day care center where orphaned children received schooling and healthy meals.
- Ensuring children orphaned by AIDS received counseling along with school uniforms so they could continue their education.
