Africa Inland Mission receives CIDA grant for AIDS work

SCARBOROUGH, ON -- Africa Inland Mission (AIM) received a *$500,000 grant from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) last week, bolstering HIV/AIDS work in Uganda and Tanzania.

The focus is on 26 fishing villages in the islands of Lake Victoria. Voluntary testing and counselling in these communities has revealed a staggering incidence of HIV. The fishing industry has brought in money-- but with it, a booming sex trade.

"Death is ever-present," says AIM missionary and nurse Kathleen Burns.

"Over the next two years AIM is aiming to train eight HIV/AIDS counsellors, 38 Community Health Workers, and 14 traditional birth attendants," says Julia Trotter, AIM's Relief & Development director. 

Communities will benefit from HIV testing, follow-up education and medical care.

AIM will also work with these communities to establish Post-test Clubs and committees for long-term support, education and knowledge-sharing.

*The CIDA grant is based on a 3:1 matching scheme, where the mission is responsible to raise $166,000. So far the mission must still raise $105,000.

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For more information please contact:
Tim Brown, Media Coordinator
(416) 751-6077 ex. 27
media.can@aimint.net