PRESS RELEASES

New HIV/AIDS Book Will Help Zambian Families, Says U.S. Ambassador.

August 30, 2007. Lusaka

LUSAKA – My Mum Has HIV, a new book designed to help families deal with their HIV status, was launched today at the American Center in Lusaka. The U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, Carmen Martinez, read the book aloud to a gathering of children and their parents. Ambassador Martinez said the book will help generate awareness about the importance of knowing your HIV status as well as teach coping skills based on real life Zambian experiences.

 “My Mum Has HIV” was funded by the U.S. Ambassador’s Small Grants Program under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).  It is part of an important initiative to remove stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS, and geared to help those infected and affected by the epidemic to live positively. 

The book was produced by Treatment Advocacy and Literacy Campaign (TALC), a Zambian non-governmental organization dedicated to increasing HIV awareness and knowledge throughout Zambia. The story is based on the stories and experiences of TALC members, whose struggles and triumphs led to the inspiration of My Mum Has HIV.  Disclosing your HIV status to your family might be the most difficult decision of your life, but this book gives numerous examples why it is essential.

According to TALC Program Manager Felix Mwanza, “What we learnt from hearing the stories of the parents and their children is that disclosure has brought benefits to families.  Parents feel they adhere better to treatment and get much needed love, care, and support from disclosure.  In turn, the children feel closer to their parents after disclosure and more comfortable talking about sensitive issues of HIV.”

In her remarks, Ambassador Martinez said: “This book serves as an inspiration to all of us and reflects the strong leadership and commitment of all the men and women who came forward to share their stories.  Their courage should help other parents to do the same, and to live positively without fear and shame.”  

The book will be distributed free in Zambia, and available for loan from District AIDS Task Force offices, government clinics and other community-based and non-government organizations.

For more information about the book, “My mum has HIV”, please contact TALC at 236.278 or the Joint HIV Resource Center at 250.261.  The book is also available for a limited time online at www.xilef.net/mymumhashiv

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