Braids not AIDS: hairdressers tackle HIV in Zimbabwe

Tackling HIV and AIDS in the developing world is an immense challenge which means going beyond treating the disease to focusing on prevention. There is no one-size-fits-all solution any response must be tailored to the specific needs of each country and of the groups most vulnerable to AIDS. The UKs Department for International Development works with governments and other partners in a huge range of programmes to target the problems that contribute most to the spread of HIV and AIDS across the world.

Through a programme funded by the Department for International Development and run by PSI, hairdressers in Harare, Zimbabwe – are trained to give advice on safe sex and the benefits of using female condoms.

Rwanda: 15 years on – Hope beyond HIV

This film tells the story of Marceline, a survivor of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, whose life has also been changed by DFID-funded a five-year, £4.25 million programme. The programme is helping genocide survivors infected with HIV/AIDS to lead decent and fulfilling lives.

UNICEF: Rwandan conference on children with HIV and Aids

KIGALI, Rwanda, 16 December 2008 — The Mashirika Theatre group opened the countrys annual Conference on Children Affected By HIV/AIDS. The performers and children are survivors of the 1994 genocide.

The three-day conference attracted over 300 international and national researchers, development practitioners, experts and Rwanda children with the theme of ‘equity in financing services’ for HIV-affected children.

The 1994 Genocide left many children orphaned and some have lost one or both parents to the HIV pandemic, said Executive Secretary of the Rwandan National Aids Control Commission Dr. Anita Asiimwe. She hailed Rwandans for taking responsibility for orphaned and vulnerable children.