Astridah's Story

Astridah Chembe (pictured to the left)­ lives in Makululu, Zambia. She is just 33 years old — her life has been devastated by HIV.

She tells us that so many people have died of AIDS even though there are ARVs available free of charge to the extremely poor. She goes on to explain that although the drugs are available, the extremely poor do not have sufficient funds to buy nutritious food. As their strength deteriorates, they are unable to fight the disease.

Astridah Chembe has HIV. As she struggled with the disease, her weight plummeted. She was eligible for free medication, but she could not take it because her weight was much too low.

As she tells her story, she explains just how her life was saved.

Volunteers from a local church, trained in basic health care, came to her home. "Whenever they visited me," Astridah continues, "they would share the Word of God with me, counseled me and they did practical work at the house such as washing dishes, beddings and drawing water for me. They could cook for me as well and bathe me. They would provide food rations like mealie-meal, beans, sugar, salt and cooking oil just to mention a few."

Because of their help, her weight finally reached 66 pounds. She began taking ARV medication. "The ARVs, with the help of God have done wonders to my life," she tells us.

Her story is not unique. Because so many people in her community are living in the shadow of HIV, she has decided to do something. She now joined People Living with HIV/AIDS, a support group that helps to raise AIDS awareness through drama in rural areas, schools, and colleges. She is very excited about the work, but prays that they would be able to get more people to support it. Lack of funds makes it very difficult to continue the education program. Her own experience has taught her just how important it is to understand HIV.

WOW works alongside communities and churches to help women and children like Astridah Chembe who would otherwise die without intervention. WOW also helps to support education programs like People Living with HIV/AIDS. Educating children and young women is critical — it's the only way to prevent even further devastation.

Please join us in making a lasting difference that will have a ripple effect throughout the lives of so many.