AFRICA/TANZANIA - In Tanzania 1.5 million, 7.8% of the adult population aged 15 to 49, affected by HIV/AIDS. In 2001 AIDS killed 140,000 people. Catholic Sisters run Hope Village offering anti-retroviral treatment for HIV+ children orphans of both parents

Dodoma (Fides Service) - In Tanzania with a population of 28,700,000 and about 1.5 million HIV+ persons, there is one doctor for every 19,555 people. The Italian Rome based order of women religious, Adorers of the Blood of Christ, SASC also known as the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood of Christ, runs only centre in the country which provides specialised HIV/AIDS treatment. Hope Village, the name of the Centre situated 6 km from the town of Dodoma, provides anti-retroviral treatment for HIV+ children orphans of both parents . At present the Sisters care for 130 orphaned children, some parents and a group of HIV+ pregnant mothers.
SASC, one of the first NGO in healthcare to exist in Tanzania (since 1969), legally recognised by the Tanzanian ministry of health to provide service of assistance, is still the only centre which provides anti-retroviral treatment or HAART for HIV+ children and adults.
For more information apply to Suor Rosaria Gargiulo tel (Tanzania): 00255744272707 e-mail mrosaria50@yahoo.com, contributions welcome” please send donations to Italian Postal account 13077037, intestazione Villaggio della Speranza, Suore Adoratrici del Sangue di Cristo.
(AP) (10/1/2005 Agenzia Fides; Righe:22; Parole:236)