WORTH and HIV/AIDS

It is recognized that many of the problems AIDS-affected children and households face result either directly or indirectly from the economic impact of AIDS. For this reason part of an effective and strategic response to the HIV virus includes programs that show strong potential for producing economic resilience among poor households in a cost-effective, sustainable manner.

WORTH fosters grassroots development, increases family income, and develops local control of resources through community controlled village banks. The increased income of caregivers and local groups enables improved care and support for orphaned and vulnerable children. While the extended family system is the central social welfare mechanism in sub-Saharan African society, HIV/AIDS has placed considerable strain on communities' ability to care for children orphaned and affected by this crippling disease.

Poverty levels have increased in all communities affected by HIV. Since women are more likely than men to take responsibility for orphans, the economic burden placed on female caregivers is especially great. For example, in Zambia the average income of female-headed households is only half of that of male-headed households with orphans. In both Kenya and Tanzania the number of children living in female-headed households over the past decade has dramatically increased, with over two-thirds of such households in some districts of Tanzania living on less than $1 a day. In a Ugandan study, at least one in four widows reported losing her property when her partner died, which forced her to work in unsustainable and often risky environments in order to support remaining household members. As impoverished households become more isolated, it is crucial to strengthen the capacity of those providing care to orphans and other vulnerable children to support themselves and the children in their care through women-focused and community-driven economic empowerment initiatives.

Through WORTH, communities strengthen economic coping capacities to provide comprehensive, compassionate care for the most vulnerable in their society. By directly increasing self-esteem and the income of caregivers/heads of households, the entire community benefits and children receive education, basic health care, and nutrition needed for their well-being.

WORTH fosters networking among women and local groups that empowers and ignites communities to take control of HIV/AIDS-related challenges and find solutions. Monthly training workshops provide an important forum for problem solving, sharing, and interaction. These ties sustain the individual groups and create dynamic networks for social action including learning about available HIV/AIDS resources, identifying methods and resources to care for the most vulnerable in their communities and acting to reduce stigma.