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Work done in Swaziland

Two medical systems have been acquired for the price of 80,000 euros.

One is a PCR/DNA, which is used to diagnose Aids in under 18s. This means it is possible to detect the illness an early stage and thus supply treatment. The other is a CD4, which checks a person’s defences and whether there is a need for antiretroviral treatments.

23 new Community Support Centres have been built, which provide integral aid to 1,000 children at risk, especially orphans in rural areas. The centres offer nutrition and psychosocial support. To look after the orphaned children and oversee the centres, almost 900 caregivers have been trained.

Toilets and 17 new drinking water wells have been built at schools. This stops children from drinking unhealthy water, which they often share with animals.

New resources have been supplied to several rural clinics and communities have been made more aware of the dangers of Aids and its devastating effects, and people have been encouraged to attend centres for tests and monitoring.

The registration of children has been encouraged in order to attend to newborns better. Although the system already existed, is was not standardised. 12,000 new children in 120 communities have now been registered.

At 100 schools a programme has been set up that uses sport as an educational tool. This helps young people to feel more integrated in their communities and learn the right skills for a healthy life and to respect their own rights.