Swaziland: Hope Trickling in for Nation Suffering AIDS, Drought

By Mandla Luphondvo — Swaziland Communications Manager

Swaziland continues to battle complex challenges in its fight for survival. The beleaguered Southern African nation has a 42.6% HIV-prevalence rate — one of the highest in the world. In addition, a severe drought has compounded suffering among Swaziland inhabitants since 2001. "National Disaster," New Hope In 1999, His Majesty King Mswati III declared HIV/AIDS a national disaster. In spite of an accelerated response to the pandemic by all sectors since then, life expectancy among the country's inhabitants has dropped from 48 to 34 years because of increased HIV infection rates.

Four years ago, the parents of this child-headed home in Swaziland died of AIDS. It's been a struggle to keep everyone fed, but the generosity of donors has enabled World Vision to provide food to this family as well as to thousands of other families severely affected by AIDS and drought in Southern Africa. Swaziland has a 42.6% HIV-prevalence rate — one of the highest in the world.

A new report offers some hope, however. A 29.3% HIV-prevalence rate among pregnant girls in Swaziland, ages 15-19, is down from the 32.5% rate reported in 2002.

In addition to new hope, the report challenges all development partners in Swaziland — of which World Vision is one — to implement sustainable programs to reduce the HIV-prevalence rate in years to come.

What is World Vision Doing?
World Vision is employing short- as well as long-term interventions in the areas of prevention, care, church partnership and advocacy. We work with numerous local anti-AIDS groups, including the Child Protection Network — a national group that addresses the health and welfare of Swaziland's children.

In partnership with Scripture Union, World Vision also provides life-skills education to in-school youth and teachers. This training empowers peer educators to better transfer knowledge to children and youth about HIV and AIDS, life skills and human sexuality, based on biblical principles.

Drought-Affected Areas Receive Additional Help
Since the beginning of the drought in 2001, the number of people requiring assistance has increased in Swaziland. In response, World Vision has introduced the "Food for Work" program.

Households with able-bodied members can participate in work for development, asset creation or training. Beneficiaries work together in groups and receive food as wages.

Meanwhile, vulnerable households in the drought-stricken Lowveld, Middleveld and Lubombo Plateau regions are receiving additional assistance.

In these areas, orphaned and vulnerable children, previously unable to attend school, are enrolled in non-formal education living situations called "Neighborhood Care Points." The children's food and educational needs are facilitated through these centers. Caregivers — mostly volunteers from the community — cook food for the children on a shift basis; meanwhile, community educators impart life-skills training.

World Vision in Swaziland is continuing to work to mobilize interventions to AIDS-devastated communities, particularly those affected by the current drought.

What You Can Do

• Pray for an end to the AIDS pandemic as well as the severe drought that is compounding Swaziland inhabitants’ suffering; pray especially for World Vision interventions in the region to address the issues underlying these crises.
• Learn more about AIDS.