Sekanawo (HIV/AIDS)... A community based organisation supporting vulnerable adults and children effected by HIV/AIDS

Sekanawo (meaning laugh with them) is a community based organisation supporting vulnerable adults and children effected by HIV/AIDS. The 30+ local members volunteer their time and energy to assist the most vulnerable households in nutrition, health, and survival. The project provides home-based care for people living with HIV/AIDS as well as HIV counseling.

Sekanawo was founded in 2006, and through community efforts, and international assistance, the project continues to grow.

Home-based care
Sekanawo members promote dignity and integrity for people living with HIV/AIDS by assisting in home-care needs and HIV counseling. Some activites include:
-Assistance with washing and cleaning in the home
-Donations of vegetables and maize flour for improved nutrition
-Peer-counseling about the importance of HIV testing and healthy living
-Peer-support education about ARV treatment

Orphan assistance
Sekanawo members travel through Chembe village identifying and supporting the most vulnerable children within the community. Most of these children are orphaned by HIV/AIDS and have many needs, both emotionally, and physically.
Sekanawo programs include:
-Malaria prevention education and mosquito net distribution to impoverished families with support from Chembe Malaria Prevention
-Food supplementation to malnourished children
-Peer-counseling for orphans and guardians about HIV, nutrition, and health
-Assistance in HIV testing

The Future
Sekanawo AIDS Network Organization is raising funds to build a day-care centre in Chembe Village for orphaned and vulnerable children under the age of 8. The centre will provide children with a number of services to assist in their healthy and happy development including:
-Nutritional meals during the day
-Education to prepare them for primary school
-Mental and visual stimulation by Sekanawo volunteers
-Assessments of health and referrals to clinics and hospitals that can assist
-Provision of clothing and blankets to children whose families cannot afford to provide