imkerhof - hiv and aids work
Monika
As in the rest of Africa, HIV has swept across Namibia. In 2004, 210,000 people were affected by AIDs, 16,000 of whom have died. Many of these were bread-winners and, as a result, the country is desperately short of qualified people in all walks of life, but, more seriously, children are left without parents.
In an attempt to raise awareness at Imkerhof Kathleen has offered:
- HIV testing for children, students, staff & neighbours
- Transport for regular hospital check-ups and treatment
- Counselling for those tested positive
Monika, an ex-bible student, who has a heart for those tested positive, has had special training and now continues the work of befriending and counselling that Kathleen started as Kathleen is now fully occupied heading up Imkerhof Christian School.
Miraculously, only 4 of the children in the home have tested positive to the HIV virus. The children receive frequent medical checks but, unfortunately, they only receive anti-retroviral drugs when a certain development stage of the disease is reached because of financial restrictions. Research shows that the sooner an HIV patient starts the Anti-Retroviral Treatment the better the chances of the health of the person remaining stable for longer.