AJAN (Africa Jesuit AIDS Network)

HIV/AIDS is one of the largest causes of Death and leading cause of children being orphaned in Africa.

Roughly 10% of those living with HIV/AIDS in a given country will die each year.

Statistics are important because they drive research and response.

HIV positive (+) is not an illness itself but a vulnerability-- as any sickness can lead to death since the immune system becomes defenseless.

Only 10% of a given infected population can even take the medications that are available to treat HIV/AIDS because one's body and case must be able to match correctly with the medication as each situation is somewhat different -- thus, the most appropriate and most comprehensive response must be wider than a purely scientific/medical approach.

There is a long term mentality at AJAN as this program is thought of as a 100 year project.

Challenging opportunities have arisen in order to think more about questions considering human sexuality because of HIV/AIDS.

Poverty is the central question/context surrounding AIDS--nutrition, education, and other problems stem from this.

Positive Living-- a term used to portray a way of life in which victims of HIV can live much longer before become infected with full blown AIDS. Positive living includes proper nutrition, clean water, basic social services, education, security, relationships, and faith. Those who are able to take part in Positive living can live as much as 15 years before even acquiring AIDS.

Therefore, there are a vast range of premedical approaches that are important and essential responses as well.

Problems
-People are trying to help Africa merely survive, NOT help Africa Live and Prosper
-$15 Billion is given by President Bush (U.S.) for Medicine to treat AIDS-but minimal funds to aid the millions struggling at the hands of poverty.

Three Populations to Approach when working on the AIDS pandemic in Africa
1) Prevention from infection
2) HIV+ Positive Living
3) AIDS Patients--Take Medication for Life