HIV and Aids - the problem seems so big!

HIV/ Aids seems such a big problem - there are so many people affected by it in Kenya - figures of between 28 and 40% of the population are HIV+ in Kisumu where we went - and the church we went to had 90% of its membership affected by it in one way or another! There are so many orphans and vulnerable children because so many adults have died over the last 20 years or so.

And yet people are dying unnecessarily - if they could get access to the same drugs we have in the UK then people wouldn't have to die in the numbers they are. It is outrageous that an African life seems to be worth less than a British life!

And yet the people we met had such hope! They passionately believe they can make a difference - that Kenya can be a better nation - and that AIDS can be defeated. Because they seem so full of hope, it seems almost a betrayal of them to feel despair!! We had gone out to Africa expecting to be heartbroken - and it is very sad! But at the same time, there is a hope....Bill Bryson in his trip to Kenya ('Bill Bryson's African Diary' - £9.99 - all proceeds to Care International - very good Christmas present!!) queried this hope and was told, "As Kenyans we always have hope". Amazing in the face of such a disease!! And to see the church at the forefront of action -incredible.

The problem does seem so big and so overwhelming, but we came back more determined to help and support the people in Kisumu. We really can make a difference because they believe they can!