As COVID-19 spreads across sub-Saharan Africa, our community-based partners are best placed to protect and support the most vulnerable populations. People affected by HIV and AIDS are particularly at risk, and must not disproportionately suffer the impacts of COVID-19. Here’s how you can help:
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The Stephen Lewis Foundation needs your support to make sure that our grassroots partners have the resources they need to keep vulnerable communities healthy and safe during these challenging times. With lockdowns in place, access to food and medicine limited, people cut off from support groups, and under-resourced healthcare systems under strain, our community-based partners provide a lifeline to people affected by HIV and AIDS. They’re the critical support systems that vulnerable communities need, and they’re well positioned to adapt to emerging challenges posed by COVID-19.
Please consider making a donation if you are able.
Our partners are telling us about how they’re working to address needs arising from the emergency response to COVID-19:
Stepping Stones International, in Botswana, in response to increases in gender-based violence (GBV) during COVID-19, has social workers making weekly calls to every individual and family enrolled in their programs, to do welfare check-ins, assist in cases of GBV, and work on ways to curb GBV.
Swaziland Nurses Association, in Eswatini, has prioritized establishing kitchen gardens, backyard gardens, and community gardens for their beneficiaries, given the impact of the national lockdowns and social distancing policies on access to nutritious food.
Health Options for Young Men on HIV, AIDS & STIs (HOYMAS), in Kenya, has procured a motorbike to deliver anti-retroviral medication and nutritious foods to clients who might otherwise not be able to adhere to their HIV treatment in the face of COVID-19.
Grandmothers Against Poverty and AIDS, in South Africa, is providing food parcels, along with gloves and hand sanitizer to their members. They’re also providing a safe space and nutritious meals to support children’s wellbeing while schools are closed.
Health Development Initiative, in Rwanda, has launched a hotline to provide counselling services for their clients. Using local radio, Whats App, and social media they’re sharing accurate information about how to stay safe and protected from COVID-19.
Kiambu People Living with HIV/AIDS, in Kenya, has advised all clients to report to their clinic for a 3-month supply of HIV antiretroviral medication, so that they may remain on treatment while there are enforced restrictions on movement.
The SLF is grateful for any donations, as we understand that these are difficult times for many. Together, we can help safeguard the progress that grassroots organizations have made in turning the tide of AIDS, and prevent COVID-19 from having a disproportionate impact on their communities. Your donation will make a difference for grandmothers, children and youth, people living with HIV and AIDS, and LGBTQ communities across sub-Saharan Africa. As a supporter of the Stephen Lewis Foundation we’re asking you to please consider making a donation today by clicking here, or by phone at 1-888-203-9990, Ext. 0.