Missions: HIV/AIDS ~ Near & Far

Baltimore

"When I first found out I had AIDS, I stayed in my room a year's time, waiting to die, because the only information I had about it was 'AIDS equals death.' " A statement from Kathy, a treatment coach with the Institute for Human Virology's JACQUES Initiative!

Kathy's liver could not handle the first drug prescribed and her doctor told her there was nothing that could be done for her. Kathy's response, "I believe in a higher power," led her to go home to pray and rest. A new drug emerged and she went back into treatment.

That was 12 years ago and she is now "in the business" of coaching other Baltimore residents to stick with their treatment regimen no matter how bleak chances may seem. Chances of successful long-term treatment increase from around 50% without support to as high as 85-95% for patients in Kathy's support group program. "She's somebody you look up to and say, 'If she can do it, anybody can do it,' " says Gregory, age 60, who has struggled with AIDS since 1992. Volunteers are welcome. Call 866-448-4448.

Malawi

In 2003 Grace, age 33, a secondary school teacher in Malawi, was carried into Dr. Jansen's medical office, weak and wasted. It was apparent she was dying from AIDS and tests revealed her condition complicated by pulmonary Tb. The combination of drugs she needed cost $30 a month, a sum beyond what she could afford as a widow with three children. Fortunately, individuals from a church in the United States had given money for just such a case. Grace looked hopeful when told treatment could begin.

The first months were rocky, but little by little her strength improved, weight picked up, fever and cough resolved. Three years later Grace is now strong and healthy. Her children have not become orphans and her school still has a teacher!

It is estimated that a 15-year old Malawian has a 50% chance of dying from AIDS and 80,000 Malawians die each month from AIDS. Dr. Jansen says, "To me, HIV/AIDS in Africa is not a set of depressing statistics. It is a collection of story after story of how this disease has devastated families and communities, but it is also now a story of how treatment can transform a person with AIDS." Dr. Jansen's Partners in Hope Medical Center has been selected by the Malawian government to provide ARVs (anti-retroviral drugs) free of charge.