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HIV / AIDS Awareness

Norman Carr Safaris, have for a number of years now, been at the forefront of an essential programme in Mfuwe aimed at raising awareness amongst staff of the issues surrounding HIV/Aids.

We have organized a number of "Peer Education" training sessions. These are designed not only to empower people with the knowledge they need to protect themselves against HIV/Aids or, if already infected how to live positively, but also to equip people with the means to teach their peers, families, villages, church groups etc etc about HIV/Aids. These sessions are open to all members of staff from all the lodges.

The courses also cover some of the other  great challenges to health in rural Africa - TB, Malaria, family planning, clean water and nutrition.

During the course of this work it became clear that our area needs a CD4 Count machine. In order to make it possible for people to receive Anti Retroviral Therapy (ARV's) it is vital to keep a track of the CD4 cells which give an indication as to the progress of the infection. Until now - anyone on ARV's has to travel well over 100 miles to have their CD4 cells counted. This is outside of the reach of the vast majority of the local population who simply cannot afford the journey or the ARV's themselves.

The Zambian National Aids Network - impressed by the work we had done in addressing the HIV/Aids issue chose Mambwe district - our local district - to be the recipient of a CD4 count machine worth $60,000 plus a viral load count machine and all the necessary training, infrastructure and support needed. The machines are just a small part of the programme. All residents of Mambwe will have free access to testing and counseling, free CD4 counts and free ARV's.

Until a cure is found, ARV's are the only way to prolong the life of people living with HIV/Aids

This is fundamental to the fabric of society as ARV's mean that HIV positive people can live much longer, healthy and productive lives, enabling them to care for their families and see their children through school - children who would otherwise be left as orphans.

As a company Norman Carr Safaris provides free transport for all staff members and their immediate family to go for testing or for treatment.  On occasions we have organized a mobile unit to come to the lodge and offer in-house voluntary counseling and testing. We are also active through the Luangwa Safaris Association, in essential data collection and local and national policy making.

One of the most effective ways of getting the message about HIV and Aids across is through drama. NCS supports a local theatre group called SEKA. Performances of their play Sankani Moyo (Live well) have inspired hundreds of people to go for testing, discover their HIV status and live healthily.

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