World AIDS Day

 World AIDS Day December 1^st

It has been 25 years since HIV/AIDS was first reported in Swaziland and so on the 1^st December we will commemorate what the country has achieved in the fight against this disease:  free ARVs (antiretroviral treatments), declining Mother to Child transmission, and greater awareness.  The statement for this year is the goal of no new infections by 2030 and greater disclosure from the HIV positive people, many who fear spousal abuse and discrimination which hinders their willingness to get tested and know/share their status. 

This year the regional day will be held in Vuvulane and for the first time Chips has been asked to partner with other aid organizations by attending the event to explain what CHIPS does. We will have a table in the information tent where we will have the opportunity to explain to people why Chips is so unique here in Swaziland and what services we offer including HIV testing, initiation on ARV’s, and positive living. 

We are asking for prayer, as there could be 5000 people who may attend the event, that through the speakers and drama groups many seeds will sown to bring about behavioral changes.  Also, we pray that the men would come participate in large numbers.  Often most of the events related to HIV perhaps two men will attend and forty women.  Instead of Mother to Child transmission, Chips is now calling it Parent to Child transmission to show the men have as much as a role to play as the women in protecting a new generation from being infected.

 
P.S. - If you want to support our ministry, the fastest way is to make an Online Donation via 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.

New Babies and 'Dying Henry'

We visited with Bongsile this week. She is expecting twins and due any day. Bongsile was in the Rav when it was totaled and we are thankful that God protected her and the babies during the accident. 

We check often on our pregnant mums throughout their pregnancy to make sure that they are doing the right things and eating well. It is our hope to educate the mothers about healthy prenatal care as well as the risks of and ways to prevent mother to child (M2C) transmission of HIV.  For this reason, we try and monitor the expectant mums closely especially near their due date so that we can transport them to the hospital for the birth.  

Our efforts at educating the mums has been very successful. M2C transmission of HIV was 10% in 2008 and this year, 2012, the transmission rate is a mere 2.5%. This is such a huge praise report and we will continue to strive for 0% and an HIV free generation.

Please pray for Bongsile as she prepares to bring two babies into the world, that the delivery will go well and that she will know the Father who gave His only Son on her behalf. 

Recently, we were getting ready to go out into the settlements to do home visits for some of the folks who have just been initiated on ARV's when Mary kept getting frantic phone calls from Henry, a new patient. We thought he was dying and decided to make a quick hike through the cane fields to check on him (the khombi wasn't starting). It was 100' or more that day and when we arrived at the homestead, Henry was up walking around-just a little queasy. 
Thankfully the visit wasn't a complete wash as Henry is Thembi's brother and we had a nice visit with Thembi. Thembi is the lady who had had the stroke and is now up and walking around, getting stronger daily.  Afterwards, we had to make the return hike. Apparently we need to teach the true meaning of 'Emergency'!

P.S. - If you want to support our ministry, the fastest way is to make an Online Donation via 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.