University of Zambia Medical Library

HIV/AIDS in Zambia: April - May 1999

"AIDS Drugs Too Costly." By Mildred Mpundu
Times of Zambia, May 29, 1999

Antiretroviral: A 14-letter mouthful - but can you imagine that some people have to utter it at least 14,000 times a day because it has become the in-thing in the treatment of HIV/Aids related complexes. If you do not want to get exhausted saying the word, try ARV, its cheaper on your energy but the debate right now is that it can drain your pocket power if you are in the grip of the HIV virus. ARV is the word used to describe combination therapy, powerful HIV treatments developed in recent years. The cost os these combination therapy regimes came under sharp focus at a recent Network of Zambian People with HIV/Aids (NZP+) workshop in Lusaka.

Dr Simon Mphuka of Christian Missions Associations of Zambia said availability and affordability was the biggest problem with ARV treatments. He said the monthly expenditure on the drug AZT costs US$228 (K572,280). AZT and DDI costs $400 (K1,004,000) monthly. The triple combination therapy or cocktail as it is commonly called, costs between $1,000 and $1,500 per month to $18,000 per annum. The cost per patient for ARV treatment costs as much as $2,918 or a whooping K7,324,180. Dr Mphuka revealed that in Southern Africa there was an estimated 803,000 of fully blown AIDS cases and 10,809,000 HIV positive cases.

The estimated cost of AZT treatment for these cases would cost the whole of Southern Africa 34 to 37 billion dollars. Combination therapy for the region would cost between 141.4 and 224.5 billion US dollars. For Zambia alone, the total cost that would be spent on AZT combination therapy is between 2.04 and 2.85 billion and 8.522 to 13 billion dollars. Zambia's annual budget is 20 billion.

Antiretrovirals are not a cure for AIDS and their long term effectiveness is not yet known except for the side effects the drugs have. Mono-therapy is no longer used in the treatment for HIV except in reducing mother to child transmission. "Dual therapy ranges in cost from $4,836 to $9,276 per year, while combination therapy involving a protease inhibitor range from $7,944 to $17,580 per patient per year. The prices are likely to be higher for developing countries like Zambia."

ARVs are new drugs and their adverse effects are still being monitored and yet to be identified, according to NZP. Nausea, headache, muscle pain, insomnia, skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhoea, gastro instestinal upsets, myopathy, abnormal liver tests and anorexia are some of the side effects associated with combination therapy. In some cases side effects disappear in the first six weeks of starting the therapy. In a number of patients, triple combination antiretroviral therapies reduce viral load plasma levels to an undetectable level and have a beneficial clinical effect.

Dr Boniface Kawimbe, former minister of health and proprietor of Midlands Medical Centre said during the workshop that the perfect cure for any disease has never been found because no cure has been found for death yet. But the best cure that mankind ever discovered is vaccines. "There is no reason why anyone should die from HIV infection. Just like diabetes, high blood pressure can be controlled and the person affected live a full life similarly with HIV," he said. The only inhibitors is the cost of drugs that go into billions.

Dr Kawimbe said that the problem is that "we have our priorities wrong." He gave an example of how Brazil bargained with companies to help buy drugs and has "emptied its wards." "If the country invested in drugs and improve nutrition of the people it could drastically reduce the health care bill," said Dr Kawimbe. He added that nutrition was the biggest problem now. Adult malnutrition is on the increase and this gives room for the virus to survive.

Ms Helen Chintelu, a nutritionist with the Nutrition Commission emphasised on the importance of good nutrition and explained the different types of food and how the body used it. Good nutrition she said was the best therapy as it slows down progression of HIV to AIDS. The ARVs workshop held at Kara Thornpark Training Centre also discussed latest facts about HIV/AIDS, breast-feeding and HIV/AIDS, ARVs and mother-to-child-transmission, nutrition and HIV/AIDS, traditional treatments and HIV/AIDS and alternative therapy.

Dr Rodwell Vongo, the Traditional Healers Association chairman said errors have been made by traditional healers, but it does not mean that progress has not been made in the area of finding cures. He cautioned patients to be careful of some traditional healers as some of them were out to cheat patients out of their money and property. "They do not have any sympathy and leave you dying while they have the money in their pockets," he said.

He said alternative therapy (medicines) were cost effective (cheap) and abundant. "Why is it that people are looking for Chinese and Indian remedies," he asked. "It is because they have been found to be effective," said Dr Vongo. Traditional doctors can treat symptoms of AIDS through alternative therapy. Dr Vongo said that when the western world came looking for a cure for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Africa already had the cure.

"Treating remedies are there for various ailments. Many people out there are positive but are hiding. Your body is your house look after it. I urge the strong ones to be strong and believe in God's power," he said. Dr Vongo told participants to the workshop that the body was like a house. When you notice some small ailment put it right quickly like you would mend a crack in the house before it grows. "Something must be done to prevent deaths. The rate of dying is too high. Yes, we will all die but why die at a tender age?, he asked.

Alternative therapies for various ailments identified by participants to the workshop included itembwisha (aloe vera), African potatoe, holy thistle, avocado, eucalyptus, muleza, mukuyu (fig tree), and many others. African potato is available in Zambia in both its fresh and capsule form. It is found in Makeni in its original form (the tuber). Jaundi Investments in Lusaka has the alternative therapy under the name Moducare in capsule form.

"It won't cure AIDS, but what it can do amazed researchers," read adverts in the press. Moducare is an immune booster. It has been used by generations of healers in southern Africa as a medicine. The advert further read that international research now confirms the value of this humble vegetable which contains two important ingredients - sterols and sterolins. Moducare contains a concentrated supply of these phyto-nutrients to supplement one's diet and helps the body's immune system.

Professor P Bouic, Head of immunology in the department of medical microbiology, at the University of Stellenbosch's school of medicine in South Africa, was quoted as having recommended the African Potato in an AIDS bulletin. The objectives of the workshop sponsored by UNDP, and technically supported by UNAIDS and National Aids programme were to provide HIV/Aids facts, information on the treatment and management of HIV/AIDS and to share data on the type of medications or treatments people have been using to sustain themselves. Thirty-five leaders of support groups trained in the basic information on treatment and management of the HIV infection.

In view of the high cost of ARVs there is a need to seriously study the possibility of using alternative therapy in the treatment of not just HIV/AIDS, but other ailments that have hit mankind. After all, even the same tablets and capsules obtained from hospitals were made from plants in abundance around us.

"AIDS Isn't a Joke, Warns Miyanda." By Douglas Hampande
The Post, May 28, 1999

HIV/AIDS is not a joke, warned education minister Godfrey Miyanda yesterday. Opening the Basic Education Sub-sector Investment Programme (BESSIP), Miyanda called for the inclusion of HIV/AIDS in the basic education syllabus. Miyanda said the priority and importance we have so far placed on this matter is negligible.

"We have to intervene through HIV programmes at a very early stage in the school system," Miyanda said. He said the youth were strategically positioned in society to help broadcast AIDS messages. Miyanda said last year's loss of over 1,000 teachers by the Ministry of Education through deaths was tragic and had to be controlled. He said the 1,331 deaths were equal to the number of graduating students annually.

"It's difficult to link the deaths to AIDS but we have to be very sensitive to such threats and possibilities. Last year [between January and October] we lost as much the number of personnel as we employed in the same year," he said. "It's like not being mobile at all." Miyanda urged the participants to put urgent measures in ensuring that the deaths were controlled.

"Lodges, Homes Prepare for ICASA." By Janet Ilunga
Times of Zambia, May 26, 1999

Private Lodges and homes have began applying for some of the lodging business to be generated by the convergence of about 5,000 into Lusaka for the Conference on AIDS and STDs in Africa (ICASA). Renovations have already started in some of the Lusaka colleges to increase bed capacity in the city to absorb the 5,000 delegates coming for the conference.

Icasa coordinator Dr Moses Sichone said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday hotel accommodation in Lusaka was very limited prompting the organisers to cast the net wider to institutional houses, lodges and private homes. The current bed capacity of major hotels in the city cannot meet even half the number of the expected 2,500 foreign guests and 1,500 local participants.

Repair works were being made at Evelyn Hone College, Natural Resources Development College (NRDC) and National Institute for Public Administration (NIPA) which once rehabilitated would provide 1,600 beds. He said the Icasa secretariat had received an overwhelming response from Lusaka residents offering their homes to foreign delegates for the whole period of the conference billed for September 10-16. He said the Icasa secretariat had made a block booking in all hotels stretching as far as Ibis Gardens in Chisamba to River Motel and Kafue Gorge for all foreign delegates. Local delegates are expected to fend for themselves.

"The problem we have is that Lusaka is not endowed with plenty of hotel rooms. We have had to cast our net wider and if the Zambian delegates can sort themselves out, we may break even," Dr Sichone said. All foreign delegates are expected to pay a commitment fee equivalent to one night hotel charge upfront and settle the full amount once in the country. Foreign delegates are paying $550 and locals, $100 for registration. Dr Sichone said extensive renovations were being made to the venue, Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) and that the second phase of the refurbishing was due to begin.

Meanwhile, ICASA secretariat has reorganised the accommodation committee in a bid to make it more focussed as the conference date draws near. Dr Sichone said the new committee would include officials from the Zambia National Tourist Board (ZNTB) as accommodation was a prudent section in the organisation of the conference.

"You Need Double Protection."
Times of Zambia, May 25, 1999

All family planning methods are designed to avoid unwanted pregnancies and they are several modern methods available to you. Some of these are hormonal, such as the pill, injectables, and loop, while others are barrier methods such as female and male condoms, foaming tablets and spermicides. There are also more permanent methods such as sterilisation or vasectomy.

Family planning is a voluntary decision made by a couple or individual onthe number and spacing of their children. It enables them to have children when they want and are prepared for them. Tracicius and Sylvia Mutale are a young couple living in Ndola's Lubuto township. They have been married for eight years and learnt the value of family planning early in their marriage. "After our first child in 1994, I sat down with my husband and discussedthe need to plan our family. We both agreed that it was a good idea andvisited the family planning providers at Lubuto clinic for counselling. After that, I started taking the pill until my husband and I decided to have a second child," says Sylvia. Cooperation between couples is vital for family planning. It is extremely important that both the men and women take an active part in arriving atthe decision to plan their family. It is essential that they both understand why they need to plan their family.

"As a couple, we are partners in marriage. It is good for my wife to goalone to family planning sessions. It is important that I am also presentso that we both learn something from the family planning counsellors," says Tracicius. But while hormonal methods, such as the pill selected by the Mutales are effective in stopping pregnancies, they can do little or nothing to stop Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) which can only be prevented throughthe use of barrier methods such as the condom. This use of a barrier method (condom) at the same time as another more effective family planning method such as hormonal (pill) is what is known as Double Protection. In this case, you are protected from both an unwanted pregnancy and STIs.

Mrs Grace Sinyangwe of the Zambia Integrated Health Programme (ZIHP), says it is extremely important that couples use double protection to ensure that they do not end up with unwanted pregnancies and STIs including HIV/Aids. "Double protection is very important because it enables the couple orindividual to protect themselves from having an unwanted pregnancy which could bring with it serious health, social and economic difficulties."At the same time, it guards against transmission of Sexually Transmitted Infections, including HIV/Aids," explains Mrs. Sinyangwe. She adds, "When you consider the problems which may result from theseconditions, the need for Double Protection becomes rather obvious. It is therefore essential that couples and individuals understand why they need to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmittedinfections." Grace emphasises the need for the couple to attend family counselling together. "It is advisable that they are counselled together so that they bothunderstand why they should use double protection," she says.

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"One Hundred Scribes to Cover AIDS in Africa Meeting."
Times of Zambia, May 25, 1999

Organisers of the International Conference on AIDS and STDs in Africa (ICASA) have said at least 100 selected foreign and local journalists will cover the conference scheduled for September. ICASA coordinator Dr Moses Sichone disclosed this in a statement released in Lusaka. A media centre will be set up to facilitate coverage of the proceedings at the first-ever AIDS and STDs international conference Zambia will be hosting.

As part of the preparatory initiatives, the eleventh ICASA secretariat was organising a media workshop to sensitise and brief media personnel about the conference. And Lusaka businessman Elias Mpondela yesterday said the ICASA conference provided great opportunities to a wide section of Zambian businessmen ranging from the tourism, transport and hotels sector to individual citizens. Mr Mpondela however, said the organisers were not informing Zambians about the forthcoming conference expected to attract 5,000 delegates from all over the world.

"The information on ICASA is not supposed to be kept for the benefit of only a few privileged individuals. This conference will benefit the country a lot, particularly the business community but very little information is given. If I don't know much what about an ordinary citizen? "Not all the hotels in the capital city can take the 5,000 delegates and yet nothing is being talked about concerning accommodation. There are several respectable people who can provide reasonable accommodation but organisers are quiet. This is like the World Cup or Africa Cup and all Zambians should know what is going on."

The success of the ICASA conference would be the success of the whole country and investors would be lured to Zambia when they discovered the country was peaceful and Zambians friendly. He said there were many people who could offer their services in the organisation of the conference as it was for the benefit of Zambia.

"Time Bomb Ticks South of Sahara." By Steve Sternberg
USA Today, May 24, 1999

Sub-Saharan Africa has been devastated by the AIDS epidemic, with countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Uganda particularly hard-hit. Recently, Sandra Thurman, director of White House Office of National AIDS Policy, visited the area to bring attention to the problem. She noted that the epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa has been received with indifference by many Americans. Since the early 1980s, 11.5 million people in sub-Saharan Africa have died of AIDS and 22.5 people in the region are now living with HIV, UNAIDS reports. However, 95 percent of HIV carriers in sub-Saharan Africa have not been screened both because HIV tests are in very short supply and many people do not consider themselves at risk. Tests of women in prenatal clinics, who are thought to reflect the infection rate of the general population, indicate that approximately one-fifth of the people in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana are infected with HIV, although the rate in some areas is even higher.

"Gender Bulletin: Zambia--Orphans." By Mumba Musopelo
PANA Wire Service, May 20, 1999

UNICEF's "1999 State of the World's Children Report" says that the AIDS epidemic in Zambia has left 400,000 school-aged children orphaned, more than anywhere else in the world. According to the study, nearly three-quarters of the orphaned children in urban areas have lost their fathers, while 7 percent have lost their mothers and 20 percent of orphaned children have lost both parents. In rural regions, nearly 55 percent of the orphaned children had lost their fathers, about 16 percent had lost their mothers, and almost 30 percent had lost both parents. Officials point to the need for a national level policy to deal with the problem, citing the inability of extended family networks to care for the children due to poverty and the lack of room in current orphanages.

"Thirty Enlist With Proof Dynamite Club."
Times of Zambia, April 17, 1999

More than 30 people with HIV/AIDS have come out in the open to join the Living Proof Dynamite Club. According to HOPE ZAMBIA newsletter it says 32 people had by February broken their silence and enlisted with the club that helped to remove the stigma of HIV/AIDS patients.

More people were also flocking to the Hope laboratory for voluntary HIV testing. The publication said there was a better understanding of AIDS issues by the public some of whom contributed funds to help carry out anti-AIDS campaigns.

Meanwhile, an International Youth Development Association (IYDA), a non governmental organisation fostering the interest of youths in Zambia, has called on Government to declare the plight of youths a national disaster.

The association president Bill Kaping'a II said at the weekend that youth unemployment had become a pandemic and had led to the increase in crime related activities and the spread of HIV/AIDS, alcohol and drug abuse. "This could in the long run spell adverse socio-economic problems unless urgent measures are put in place," he said.

It was worrying that after the Government invested heavily in education, youths could not find jobs after school and training. The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Child Development should place much emphasis on the issue instead of concentrating on sport at the expense of youth development. The association intends to present its resolutions to Government on how best the problem of unemployment could be tackled.

"Who Will Stop the Brutes." By Priscilla Chela
Times of Zambia, April 17, 1999

Imagine being forcibly infected with the HIV/AIDS virus by a total stranger or someone you know? The anguish of such an ordeal is unimaginable. Disheartening as it may sound, this has become a reality today. Many women and children are being infected with the deadly virus by heartless beings one can only describe as monsters.

Picture this: A home is broken into by armed thugs who mercilessly rape the defenceless woman of the house and her daughters at gun point! Her visibly shaken husband can do nothing but look on. Days after the horrifying experience the raped family summon up enough courage and subject themselves to an HIV test. It's a test many Zambians dread.

The heartache is unbearable for the women who are victims of insatiable brutes! What will become of her husband who witnessed the brutal attack? He will definitely go on a guilt trip because he could not protect his family at a time they needed him most. He (or one of his family members) would be dead today if he'd attempted to lift a finger to keep the attackers at bay.

It is really hard to imagine how men possessed with lethal demons can be allowed to continue tormenting innocent people. In addition, people entrusted to look after children are the perpetrators of child abuse and they risk infecting them with the HIV/AIDS virus. There have been reports of children sexually molested by relatives, sadly some have been infected with the HIV virus.

How are parents expected to cope with a child dying of HIV/AIDS simply because the 'guardian' turned to be a monster of a man? Parents have to live with the bitterness, anger and pain. The latest YOU magazine tells the story of an ex-husband's shocking deed to avoid paying maintenance for his son. Brian Stert infected his son Brandon Jackson with the AIDS virus so he wouldn't have to pay maintenance. Brandon was 11 months-old when his father literally sentenced him to death. The little boy was admitted to hospital with asthma when his father walked in unannounced and injected him with the deadly virus!

Stert, a laboratory technician took blood in phials, placed them in a freezer and said he could inject anyone with anything from his lab. Brandon now eight-years-old wants to visit his father in prison and ask him why he had to infect him with the AIDS virus. Stert will be charged with murder if Brandon dies but could be paroled after 15 years.

"There is no parole and cure for my son who was infected by an insane father, it would've been better if he only stayed out of our lives than doing this abominable thing," Brandon's mother, Jennifer lamented.

Monstrous isn't it? Like one woman says: "Nowadays no one is safe not even in the confinement of one's home. We only live and survive by the grace of God." True. Her sentiments were echoed elsewhere by other people who are unsafe because thugs armed with sophisticated weapons can attack at will.

The Penal Code of the Laws of Zambia states: "Any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman and a girl without her consent, or with her consent, if the consent is obtained by force or by means of threats or intimidation of any kind, or by fear of bodily harm, or by means of false representations as the nature of the act, or in the case of a married woman, by personating her husband is guilty of the felony termed "rape" Any person who commits the offence of rape is liable to imprisonment for life and any person who unlawfully and carnally knows any girl under the age of 16 years is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for life.

It also states: "Any person who attempts to have unlawful carnal knowledge of any girl under the age of 16 years is guilty of a felony and liable to imprisonment for 14 years. Much as the law is clear on rape and unlawful carnal knowledge of girls under 16, rapists are fearlessly devouring innocent girls and women.

Hundreds of rape cases have been reported to the police, but few arrests and prosecutions are ever made. And if ever arrests are made, a person guilty of rape and defilement, is likely to plead insanity to escape stern punishment. Such excuses should not be condoned because it sets a bad precedent for would-be offenders. There should be no laxity in convicting those found guilty of rape and defilement.

A woman who was raped on the outskirts of Kalingalinga township in Lusaka is now HIV positive following the horrifying attack. Her life was shattered the day she came face-to-face with two rapists on her way to a funeral. "I was raped by two decently dressed men. They looked friendly and like any normal men until they dragged me to a nearby bush where they raped me. Though I reported the matter to the police, nothing much has been done and I have not yet heard of the arrests of these two rapists otherwise I would have been summoned to go and identify them.

"This is sad because my life span has been cut short and I cannot even think of marriage now because I might infect my partner. These rapists are on the loose and nothing is being done about it.

"Some people have the audacity to say the death penalty should be abolished so that people on the death row can be given a chance to reform. What about the lives of victims like me? How do these people expect us to carry on living when someone has passed a death sentence on us?," the woman cried. This woman's cry has been echoed by other rape victims . They want a specific law to protect innocent women and children from being infected with the HIV/AIDS virus by using force.

No one has the right to pass a death sentence on anyone by force. Innocent lives should not be lost because of the extreme sexual desires of people with no regard of human life. Is there anyone out there who cares what the victims of rape and defilement go through? Imagine how the life of a young girl who has been defiled is cut short! What sort of life lies ahead as memories of her abuser linger on? What about the married woman, raped and infected with the HIV virus right before her husband? What is the future of their marriage? Will the relationship be the same or will this dilemma contribute to an eventual break-up of a once solid and wonderful marriage?

Rape is serious. It has some become deadly because of the AIDS scourge. Women are crying out for help. Who will help them? Who will protect the prowler from invading their home privacy? Life can't go on like this. No it can't.

"Condoms a Hit in Tourist Capitol."
Times of Zambia, April 17, 1999

The distribution of condoms to Government departments in Southern Province is said to have received good response as most of the boxes distributed have been emptied. Southern Province Focal contact person James Mwansa said government departments had responded positively and taken their shares. He said he was happy the condoms were being accepted and put to good use to save life.

"Unlike in the past when people shunned condoms, now people have come to realise that it is a matter of life and death. One has better use a condom or death from the HIV/AIDS scourge. Condoms placed in toilets are said to have been taken showing that people were responding to the new awakening to avoid contracting HIV . Some people are reported to asking for them unlike in the past when many felt shy," Mr Mwansa said.

Mr Mwansa is chief personnel officer at provincial administration in Livingstone. He further said that he had in his office boxes of condoms for distribution to the districts. The office of the permanent secretary was making arrangements to send Mr Mwansa to distribute the same to districts.

Recently provincial leaders in Livingstone expressed worry over the poor state of health among some government officers and the rising number of deaths among government officers. It was felt that education and distribution of the condom was the only way to same those still sexually active. The AIDS pandemic has been claiming many highly qualified people. Government found it prudent with help of donor community to train focal contact persons on HIV/AIDS so that they could take the challenge to educate others.

"Fishing Blamed for High HIV/AIDS Incidence."
Times of Zambia, April 17, 1999

Fishing has been cited as one of the many contributing factors to the high spread of HIV\AIDS in Luapula province. Opening the network for Zambian people living with AIDS workshop held at the Mansa hotel Provincial deputy permanent secretary Mr Martin Kaoma said that the high influx of people to the province due to commercial fishing made the province more vulnerable to the high figures of HIV\AIDS.

Mr Kaoma said the provincial position of 28 percent was worse than the national level and that it ranked from Lusaka and the copperbelt. The figure represents that one in every five people is infected. He has called for total war on the scourge which he said had brought sorrow at both national and household level. He called for the formation of support groups to work with organisations such as the church, business houses and traditional rulers. The workshop was organised by the network fo Zambian people living with HIV which will among other things come up with a work plan for people living with AIDS in the province.

"Mporokoso AIDS Orphans See Hope." By Chongo Mwango
Times of Zambia, April 8, 1999

As the Aids scourge continues to spread in Zambia, rural areas too have begun to succumb to its socio economic, health and cultural effects on life there. The result there, as in the urban areas, has been a devastating trail of orphans without any sense of belonging. In Mporokoso, for instance, the swelling number of orphaned children have disoriented society and brought villagers to their knees. There are currently 250 identified orphans in the district each one with a different woeful story to tell. Examples abound.

Frederick Mumba, 16, is the oldest child in a family of four. He had to stop school in Grade Eight soon after his mother died to look after his younger brothers and sisters. "I was in Grade Seven when my mother died," he narrated. "I sat for Grade Seven examinations and qualified to Grade eight but had to stop school because there was no one to sponsor me." Brenda Katongo, 12, also stopped school after the death of her parents and now lives alone, looking after her young brother Chrispin Chileshe.

Overcome by these examples of calamity that have left children to live in pathetic conditions, villagers are seriously contemplating building an orphanage. Whereas a number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Government departments abound in urban areas to alleviate the problems encountered by orphaned or displaced children, support for orphans in the rural areas is scarce.

Chief Mumpolokoso, the brain-child behind the setting up of an orphanage, explain that while he considers it his traditional responsibility to look after the orphans and destitutes in his area, he had been overwhelmed by the needs. He himself is looking after nine orphans at his palace. "Traditionally, it is my duty to keep disadvantaged people in my village. I'm presently keeping nine orphans and one elderly who has no relatives to support her. I am unable to take care of more children because of the economic situation that has affected all of us," Chief Mumpolokoso said at his palace. All the nine children being kept by the chief are unable to attend school because he cannot afford to pay their school fees.

Last July, Chief Mumpolokoso thought of constructing an orphanage. His idea is being supported by the Netherlands government. The chief is working with a team of eight others, among them Mporokoso council secretary Dominic Lisulo, who is the patron. Mr Lisulo explained that the orphanage would cater for children below the age of 21. "Our plans are that all those children who lost their parents at birth and have no maternal support should be kept at the orphanage," he said. "We also intend to take care of grown up orphans until they reach the age of 21."

The orphans will not only be given a home and food, but will also be given education they are currently being deprived of. The children will be educated from pre-school to grade nine. Skills such as cookery, knitting, tailoring, vegetable growing and brick laying will be offered to the children soon after completion of Grade Nine in an effort to prepare them for the future. Though the construction of the orphanage may appear strange in an extended family system and communal village life people have been used to, it is nonetheless being looked at as a saviour to their ills.

Firstly it will take away the responsibility of scouting for school fees, uniforms and clothing. Secondly, it will provide employment opportunities for some local residents. The orphanage will provide both pre-school and primary education. Teachers will be employed. There are plans to bring in nurses and at least one doctor to look into their health needs.

Mr Lisulo said efforts will be made to create a healthy atmosphere so the children grow up with a sense of belonging. One such way would be to employ two "well mannered and elderly women whom the children will refer to as mother or aunt". Ruth Mumpolokoso is aspiring to be a primary school teacher when the project becomes operational. She is excited about it and feels she will help reduce illiteracy in the district. "This orphanage will offer basic education to the under privileged children and also offer them different skills. What else could one ask for? Asked Miss Mumpolokoso.

But will the idea materialise or are the villagers in Mporokoso merely building castles in the air? Chief Mumpolokoso is determined to see his idea materialise into something tangible. He has already secured land at Kashinda in Chishamwamba village where the school is to be built. A search team has also been to Mbala and Kasisi orphanages to learn how to run an orphanage and obtain possible designs for the structure. The chief has appealed to NGOs, Government and well-wishers to come to their aid financially to make the orphanage project a reality. Also needed are donations of clothing, bedding, food and school requirements.

It is clear from the reality on the ground that an orphanage in Mporokoso has become a necessity, especially that it is feared the number of children without parents is expected to more than double in the next three to four years.

"About 25,000 Zambian Children Are Infected With HIV." By Musopelo Mumba
PANA Wire Service, April 7, 1999

Officials from Zambia's HIV/AIDS program estimate that 25,000 children in the country are infected with HIV annually, with most of the infections occurring prenatally, during pregnancy or at the time of birth, or from breast-feeding. The ministry reports that more than 95 percent of mothers breast feed their children during the first few months of life; however, most HIV-positive mothers have few--if any--other alternatives. Also, the Zambia HIV Sentinel Surveillance indicates that as of 1994, the child prevalence for HIV infection was as high as 25 percent in urban areas and up to 13 percent in rural areas.

"Why the Media Must Cruelly Fight AIDS."
Times of Zambia, April 6, 1999

"AIDS is not just a medical problem, but a predicament of all of us," once said a health minister in the Southern African region. If HIV/AIDS affects everyone, then journalists should carry the burden and be part of the solution. The media is a dynamic tool to provide accurate information about HIV/AIDS and to shape public attitudes. The media (radio, TV, print media, music, traditional theatre, advertising and marketing) has quick and effective methods of communication that reach large numbers of people - children, youth men and women.

Unlike brochures, mass media messages can reach thousands of people, including those that do not have access to brochures. Media coverage of AIDS need not look at the epidemic itself, but at the underlying causes and outcomes." "Journalists should remember to be driven by compassion in everything they write about - even on HIV/AIDS issues, " says Juliana Chileshe, Southern African Region, PANOS, Acting Director.

These were some of the issues raised at the Southern Africa AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAFAIDS) Regional Media Workshop held in Harare last week. The workshop drew participants from Angola, Mozambique, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. You can never have economic development in a country, if there is a major HIV epidemic.

"The spread of HIV/AIDS is having a major impact on the economies of the world, in particular those of developing countries, " according to a SAFAIDS Media brief. The health sector, more than any other sector of the economy is being impacted by an increased demand for medical care and higher costs of medication. "In developing countries, entire households are forced to re-allocate their resources and make sacrifices to care for the sick. Girls are often forced to drop out of school to assist in patient care."

"At macro level, the impact of AIDS is felt gradually in all industries, especially tourism, transport and agriculture." Sub-Saharan Africa is has 70 per cent of the people who became infected with HIV in 1998. It is also the region in which four-fifths of all AIDS deaths occurred in the same year. It is only now, twenty years after the virus first started spreading, that the repercussions of AIDS are becoming visible.

"In Southern African countries with mature epidemics, AIDS is leaving highly visible damage in its wake. Some doctors report that three-quarters of beds in pediatric wards are occupied by children ill from HIV." The aim of the workshop was to develop positive approaches towards reporting on HIV/AIDS; To discuss strategies that focus on regular coverage around HIV/AIDS and to assist SAFAIDs in developing a regional information service for the media.

The workshop looked at the role of the media in the face of HIV/AIDS, different approaches and angles to stimulate discussion around the problem and the problems encountered when covering this area. Although many countries showed high levels of basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS, awareness is not all it takes to arrest the spread of the virus and build support for those in need.

"The public need to know the levels of HIV infection, how it is transmitted, the risks of contracting HIV, and how to avoid contracting it. Beyond this, they need the motivation and opportunity to change behaviour and to develop supportive attitudes," says the SAFAIDS brief.

SAFAIDS Director Helen Jackson said that the organisation realises the great importance of media in informing and educating. Media messages delivered through role models such as musicians, politicians and others affect the public's perceptions of social norms, which in turn encourages change in behaviour. Radio is often the main source of information in rural areas, while print media also reaches wide audiences where literacy is high; and television reaches a narrower but often influential audience, especially in rural areas.

The Harare workshop also discussed the basic reporting principles on HIV/AIDS. Use of certain terminology for example, "AIDS KILLS" does not help prevent HIV and is of limited value to those already infected. It was agreed that messages need to focus on specific behavioural patterns that avoid the risk of contracting HIV.

A checklist adapted from PANOS African National Media Congress, 1997 says messages based on fear could encourage denial of one's risk behaviour and fatalistic attitudes. "AIDS communication needs to channel accurate information to the masses to allow them to asses their own risk behaviour." Messages should also include factual statistics, but readers would not be overwhelmed with numbers.Journalists should strive to personalise a story. PANOS says: "Do not create an 'us and them' situation. Give a voice to the people - do not speak against them, but with them."

Focus on HIV/AIDS must be localised. The audience need to know about the epidemic in the their own country/regional context. Comparisons can be used, but only if it helps people understand the situation or future scenario. Positive and healthy aspects should be reported on. Being infected with HIV does not mean an immediate death sentence. Examples of success stories, striking facts, quotes from People Living with HIV/AIDS, and examples of relevant intervention programmes. These help people identify action they can take, rather than just depressing them.

The checklist further says that journalists should inform and motivate rather than impress by using simple, easy language. Medical jargon should be avoided at all costs. Care should be taken not to raise false hopes if reporting about possible vaccines or cures. Sensationalism and negative reporting must be avoided. Debate on critical issues should be stimulated. Participants from the 10 countries in the region said they faced numerous problems in the coverage of HIV/AIDS issues.

From the individual journalist right up to Government, appropriately packaged, user-friendly information is rarely available to suit their needs. Different regions also need local materials and information. "For example, in much of Europe and USA, transmission largely occurs amongst gay and bisexual men and injecting drug users and their partners, Whereas in most other parts of the world, especially the developing world, the spread of the virus has been mainly through heterosexual sex.

The brief says that working in isolation tends to become stressful for media personnel specialising in HIV/AIDS, therefore counselling may help the journalist overcome feelings of powerlessness. "Course content in seminars, workshops and conferences should include an aspect of counselling so that investigative reporters can handle stressful, sensitive issues."

Absalom Mutere from the School of Journalism at the University of Nairobi in Kenya developed an AIDS Media Training Module while at the University of Zimbabwe that notes the need for:

• Journalists who not only report events but understand and are able to discuss processes
• Media managers to integrate such reporting into their newsroom policies
• Technical agencies, including NGO's, to recognise how information should be packaged for increased effectiveness;
• Policy-makers to understand how contending world views contribute to how we perceive AIDS and related issues;
• Policy making, facilitated through the mass media to address AIDS and related issues through a multi-cultural lens.

In conclusion, the media should go beyond commenting on new initiatives for prevention, reporting on workshops or conferences and describing updated data. HIV/AIDS is a devastating epidemic that is sexually transmitted and remains unnoticed in its early stages. Here is an issue that poses both challenges and opportunities for the media.

The journalists "biggest challenge is to keep AIDS topical and newsworthy while the impact is a slow long wave." There is a crisis in the region. "Millions of adults have died and left behind orphaned children. Many have left surviving partners who are infected and in need of care." "Their families struggle to pay for their funerals, and their employers must now train other staff to replace them." There has to be solution to which journalist must be a part of. "Media coverage of HIV/AIDS must be transformed into a respected and 'cutting edge' form of journalism."

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Last updated June 2, 1999

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