- Nurses in Eastern DR Congo

Since 2003 the DR Congo is experiencing a new political phase. A new stage, officially putting to an end a war that killed millions of people as well as being responsible for the emergence of HIV / AIDS in rural DR Congo.

By working against rape and violence against women in the region and forming SARCAF (Service Support and Capacity Building of Self for Rural Women) we have understood the magnitude of AIDS in the community. At this stage of the disease, priority should be given to spread information about the disease, prevention and support for women affected by the disease. Another priority should be to communicate with men.

Recent studies in the countries most affected by AIDS show that the effects of the disease have serious consequences on all sectors of the country (economy, education, etc) because it affects the entire population. Moreover, the situation also affects development. The DRC was relatively preserved before the war. Today, because of the insecurity, the problem of HIV is no longer confined to the cities but also villages in rural areas. The disease, often still a taboo, also causes psychological and social problems and it sometimes becomes a weapon of war that destabilizes many families who do not know how to react.

In rural areas of South Kivu the security of the civilians is still a serious issue. Women are particularly affected. There are many cases of rapes of women, especially affecting peasants. These acts of violence are the basis of the spread of HIV / AIDS and STDs.

AFIA-FEV is a combination of care for people living with HIV / AIDS. Characterized the activities of our association are awareness, psycho-social support and guidance to institutions for care.

To motivate the voluntary testing, we proposed a revolving micro-credit to members who tracks despite his HIV status. Currently 170 women on the 175 that we accompany know their serological status.

Several ideas have been taken to facilitate a good framework, but unfortunately we have never had funding for the activities of prevention, awareness and support of PLWHA.

Here is a reflection that we conducted on people living with HIV / AIDS.