By Eliza Squibb | Executive Director
Due to the incredible advances made in America for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, sometimes it's possible to forget about "stigma". Stigmatization and social rejection of people living with HIV is a huge problem in many countries of the world, and that is exactly what we are trying to fight in Mali. When people sit together and eat food prepared by someone who is HIV+, it sends a strong message of inclusion.
In celebration of World AIDS Day in December 2015, the Malian Minister of Health chose our clinic as a model to applaud the community and staff for what they have accomplished over the years. The minister and her delegation shared a meal with the HIV+ community members that they have prepared; a very real gesture that carried a strong symbolic message.
What do we hope to see from this visit?
We want a change in public health policy that will make all the community-run clinics in Bamako the front lines of the fight against HIV.
As a small token of her appreciation, the health minister sent a donation of mosquito nets and medicine to the HIV+ group at the Hope Center Clinic.
Please join us in showing the health minister everything that can be accomplished when a group of dedicated people focus their attention on improving quality of life for vulnerable populations!
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