Our partnership with Power of Love

Zambia, a peaceful country in Sub-Saharan Africa, has a high prevalence of HIV infection. Over 1 million children have been orphaned in Zambia, most due to HIV and AIDS. Many orphaned children live with grandmothers, aunts, or in child-headed households who have little or no source of income. Matero is one of the largest and poorest compounds in Lusaka, Zambia with a population of 250,000. Most residents live below the extreme poverty line (less than $2 per day), and the community has an employment rate that is nearly 60%. The community also has a high incidence of HIV, with 12% of adults testing positive. It is estimated that at least 5,000 children in Matero can benefit from pediatric HIV care services provided by Power of Love Foundation. 

ODW’s partnershup with the Power of Love Foundation provided life-saving health care services to 400 HIV+ orphans and vulnerable children in Matero, Zambia. Children are provided food, medicine, regular health check-ups, psycho-social counseling, medication training, monitoring, and health education. Family members are provided training on basic hygiene and caring for an HIV+ child. In addition, the program counseled family members on getting tested for HIV and starting medication, both of which are critical to the prevention and spread of HIV. The high-quality of care provided through this program lead to improved child health, increased attendance and performance in school, and a healthier, self-reliant family, which has a long-lasting impact on the community.