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“The Catholic Church is providing great leadership across South Africa in the fight against AIDS,” Musaba said. “People turn to the church to seek solace in times of crisis.” She means that literally and figuratively. Not only is Empilisweni Center located in a former Dominican convent, but every parish in the 21-village area is involved in some HIV prevention work.
The fight against the disease goes much farther than that. “Each of the 40 dioceses in South Africa has taken on HIV prevention projects,” said Wilfrid Cardinal Napier, OFM, Archbishop of Durban and president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference. “Through education and training, ordinary people are becoming volunteers to help those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Musaba says she was surprised to learn so much from the people she has been helping. “We went there with grand notions of teaching the people health care,” she said. “There we were – doctors, nurses, health workers – learning to grow cabbage, raise chickens and do things we had never done before. It’s a privilege to be part of this work.”
As rewarding as the work may be, Musaba says it still can be discouraging. “There is so much illness everywhere,” she said. “Sometimes you wonder if you are really making a difference, but there is hope. We do little things and keep at it.”
Cardinal Napier also sees hope for the future. “In many instances, people in communities where AIDS is not a factor are linking with parishes where the disease is a problem,” he explained. “Many young people have said this has made them change their whole view of life. They have come to realize how precious life is, that life is entrusted to each individual, and they must make choices to protect it.”
Founded in 1928, the Catholic Medical Mission Board works collaboratively to provide quality healthcare programs and services, without discrimination, to people in need around the world. CMMB has provided medicines, supplies and services to more than 100 countries. The Board’s work has grown to include recruitment and placement of medical volunteers, training of local health practitioners, and emergency relief. Anyone wishing to donate to the Catholic Medical Mission Board may contact CMMB at 800-678-5659, or visit their web site at www.cmmb.org.
The fight against the disease goes much farther than that. “Each of the 40 dioceses in South Africa has taken on HIV prevention projects,” said Wilfrid Cardinal Napier, OFM, Archbishop of Durban and president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference. “Through education and training, ordinary people are becoming volunteers to help those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Musaba says she was surprised to learn so much from the people she has been helping. “We went there with grand notions of teaching the people health care,” she said. “There we were – doctors, nurses, health workers – learning to grow cabbage, raise chickens and do things we had never done before. It’s a privilege to be part of this work.”
As rewarding as the work may be, Musaba says it still can be discouraging. “There is so much illness everywhere,” she said. “Sometimes you wonder if you are really making a difference, but there is hope. We do little things and keep at it.”
Cardinal Napier also sees hope for the future. “In many instances, people in communities where AIDS is not a factor are linking with parishes where the disease is a problem,” he explained. “Many young people have said this has made them change their whole view of life. They have come to realize how precious life is, that life is entrusted to each individual, and they must make choices to protect it.”
Founded in 1928, the Catholic Medical Mission Board works collaboratively to provide quality healthcare programs and services, without discrimination, to people in need around the world. CMMB has provided medicines, supplies and services to more than 100 countries. The Board’s work has grown to include recruitment and placement of medical volunteers, training of local health practitioners, and emergency relief. Anyone wishing to donate to the Catholic Medical Mission Board may contact CMMB at 800-