US AIDS Relief program in Zambia leads to 'A Song of Hope'

"I was able to start taking antiretroviral medications thanks to an AIDS Relief program in Zambia"

LUSAKA, Zambia (CRS) -- Last December on World AIDS Day, I gave President Bush a hug. I wanted to thank him and the American people who are making an incredible difference in the lives of millions living with HIV, including mine.

Years ago, I wasn't doing so well. I had lost my husband to AIDS and expected to meet the same fate. My CD4 count -- which measures the health of your immune system -- was a mere 30 when healthy people typically have one of 500 or higher. HIV was taking its toll.

Fortunately, I was able to start taking antiretroviral medications thanks to an AIDSRelief program in Zambia funded by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This program is literally saving my life. And with this new lease on life -- I now have a CD4 count of 813 -- I am taking care of my siblings as well as a house full of orphans.

My improved health also lets me continue my work as an AIDSRelief adherence officer in Zambia with Catholic Relief Services. A five-member consortium led by CRS, AIDSRelief is providing HIV services to 250,000 people in nine countries.

In Zambia alone, AIDSRelief is now providing care to more than 44,000 people living with HIV, including more than 19,300 on antiretroviral therapy. This level of care would be very difficult to maintain without PEPFAR funding.

Before PEPFAR started in 2004, it was estimated that only 50,000 people were receiving HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa. Now thanks to PEPFAR, more than 1.4 million are taking lifesaving antiretroviral medications and more than 6.7 million people affected by HIV are receiving critical services.

These services include medical care, support for orphans and even prevention education, provided in partnership with existing local health care facilities and community-based organizations to extend PEPFAR's impact and build sustainability.

The U.S. Congress is now considering PEPFAR reauthorization. I hope their answer is a resounding "Yes!" But I also hope that they maintain PEPFAR's primary focus on HIV care, treatment and prevention.

Because of PEPFAR programs, HIV in Zambia has a new face -- one of hope, longer life and healthier families. I've seen the Lazarus effect. People on their death bed are walking again, and children are now able to grow up to be adults.

Millions need PEPFAR programs to continue. I need PEPFAR programs to continue. I urge you to ask your representatives and senators to reauthorize this essential funding soon and in a way that preserves its original model and focus. By doing so, you too can help so many others come back to life.

I want Americans to realize just how significantly their generous contribution is improving people's lives across the globe. You are enabling miracles to happen each day.

Bridget Chisenga is an adherence officer for CRS' AIDSRelief programs in Zambia. This fall, she spent several weeks in the U.S. visiting schools and parishes to share her experiences of living with HIV and working with others affected by the virus. On World AIDS Day last December 1st, she joined President Bush for a commemoration at a church in Western Maryland.

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Reprinted by Catholic Online with permission of Catholic Relief Services (www.crs.org)