Projecting Hope For Swaziland: Interest in Health Classes and HIV testing

Ian and Jenn Stephens are missionaries working with C.H.I.P.S, Children HIV Intervention Programme in Swaziland, to help the orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS pandemic in Swaziland, Africa. Their home base is in Vuvulane and they travel around to various communities testing for HIV, assessing medical needs and treatment options, teaching job skills, providing workshops, and occasionally conducting Crossroads training (character building/positive living/HIV & abstinence). Ian and Jenn's main desire is to share the love of Jesus for each of these precious children while working towards fulfilling the vision of a HIV free Swaziland.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Interest in Health Classes and HIV testing

A rural health promoter in Matatuka asked us to come out today to check on a very malnourished 14 month old boy. When we got there we found a neighbor taking care of the baby who only weighs 12lbs. Unfortunately we couldn't do HIV testing on the little guy today as his mother wasn't there. We'll go back tomorrow and hopefully can get him started on necessary medical intervention as well as proper nutrition.

It was surprising to see how many people showed up at the classes Teresa and I (Jenn) taught in the last couple of weeks. On March 28, we taught a first aid class and had 32 people in attendence. Then on April 4, we taught a class about HIV/TB and had 30 people show up for that. There was good feedback from this class. It's been a while since I have taught any classes and so it was good to be able to share. We were asked to come and do both of these classes by the community members. There has also been a greater interest in the communities with regards to having HIV testing days. Patricia is one lady who came to us asking that we do testing in Vuvulane for a total of 10 people. Another request came from Mambaweni to test 11 people. We have additional testing days scheduled for Section 19 and Mgldzangcunu this month.

It will definitely be a busy April but we are thankful for the amount of people who are willing to come forth and be tested for HIV. If the results come back as HIV+, we will then transport patients to Good Shepherd and get them started on ARV's. The ARV's are provided free of charge to patients. One major key to controlling HIV is getting on ARV's and then continuing with the treatment long term.

P.S. - If you want to support our ministry, the fastest way is to make an Online Donation via http://www.blogger.com/www.WorldOutreach.org
Go to "Donate" and select our name, Stephens, Ian and Jenn SWAZILAND. The system can process USA and International cards.

Or simply mail your gift to World Outreach Ministries, PO Box B, Marietta, GA 30061 and designate for Ian and Jenn, Fund Code #97.

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What is Chips?

Children's HIV Intervention Program Swaziland

CHIPS is funded through the Claypotts trust in Scotland (Claypotts is a castle) and is a non-Christian organization.

Chips provides holistic care to children and caregivers in the form of these services:

1. On site rapid HIV testing

2. If the test is positive, a second test is done to make sure there is not a mistake and blood is drawn at the same time to check the viral load

3. Counselling on HIV, giving the patients hope and a postive outlook; HIV is not a death sentence

4. Transport to the local hospital for initiation of Antiretroviral, ARV, treatment and medication after further counselling

5. Follow up in the community; checking to see if the new patients are adhering to the ARV's and if there are any problems from the medication etc

6. Home health visits to the sick patients

7 . Return appointments to the hospital and when the patients are stable transferring them to a local rural clinic

The most important work of Chips is prayer and sharing the hope of Jesus with the patients.

Orphan Care Fund

Contributing to our Orphan Care Fund would enable us to help meet the physical needs of the people we serve in a holistic approach; spiritual, emotional, and physical. Monies from this fund would go towards clothing, helping start micro industries, medical needs, and nutritional needs.

If you want to donate to the Orphan Care Fund (Go to "Donate" and select our name, Stephens, Ian and Jenn SWAZILAND), please drop us an email letting us know your intentions and we will earmark the monies for that purpose.

Thank you for caring for these precious children!

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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Interest in Health Classes and HIV testing

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