ANI
ANI
Our adherence to Christian principles forms the spiritual foundation of Agape Neighbor Initiatives (ANI); as the first of the "great commandments" says; to love God; the second, "like unto it", is to love one's neighbor. At ANI we strive to love our neighbor, for within our neighbor we see God; we cannot see God more clearly anywhere else.
The Agape Neighbor Initiatives campaign is focused on Uganda, a country where HIV/AIDS was first recognized in 1982, and a country that by 1993 had the highest HIV infection rates in the world. Over 1.5 million children have been orphaned since the epidemic began; these children have lost their mothers or both parents to AIDS. However, a structured government response begun in 1986 that involved collaboration with international organizations and NGOs has resulted in a reversal of serious prevalence rates. Even though HIV prevalence in Uganda is much lower than it once was, it still remains very high, and AIDS is still claiming tens of thousands of lives each year. Aside from the terrible personal and spiritual tragedy, such a severe epidemic has a considerable social and economic impact.
It is sometimes difficult to know how to approach such a situation. Regardless of this difficulty, Agape Global Outreach has developed a strategy for AIDS children/orphans in Uganda where we do not move children from their familiar background; rather, we strengthen their community to ensure that they are looked after. AGO is coordinating medical and supportive services and communication among providers and families which optimizes the health and well-being of those effected by this disease. Different members of our team are responsible for different “pieces of the puzzle.” This approach considers the needs of all family members and the linkages among individuals, families and communities. This family care coordination promotes better care, supports adherence, and empowers patients and families. Many of the children are able to go to school and lead relatively normal lives.
So is this hopeless situation? No, it is tragic but not hopeless. At present for those infected with HIV/AIDS all we can try to ensure is that they are loved and cared for as they grow weaker.