Part One: HIV'S FIRST RESPONDERS

While the politicians, celebrities, doctors, artists, and scientists who have dedicated their lives to combating HIV/AIDS are frequently seen in the media, many of those working tirelessly behind the scenes against the spread of the disease are left out of the picture. Nearly a year ago we brought you the story of Maryknoll Father Rick Bauer and his tremendous work in the African country of Namibia, where he serves as director of Catholic AIDS Action. During our visit he introduced us to his Namibian staff members, whose job it is to go into the country side to help find and support those living with HIV in poor communities. It is grueling, emotional, and unglamorous work, but an essential component in the fight against the spread of HIV. Today you'll hear from several of the Catholic AIDS Action staff in Namibia about their work, their struggles, and their commitment to improving the lives of their countrymen stricken with HIV/AIDS.

Part Two HIV'S FIRST RESPONDERS

Although ad campaigns and governmental bodies can   help improve the situation by stressing policies and practices that could help control the spread of HIV/AIDS - as well as enhance the lives of those living with the disease – perhaps the most effective and long-lasting way to reverse the damage wrought by HIV/AIDS is through community and compassion. At the heart of catholic AIDS action's attempts to address HIV/AIDS in Namibia are the many social workers who visit the poor townships and communities around the country seeking to provide support, information, and encouragement for those suffering from HIV. Whether they are checking to see if their clients are taking their medicine, monitoring their nutrition, or convincing a skeptical adult to get tested, Namibia's struggle against HIV/AIDS would be nearly impossible without the dedication and efforts of those "in the field".        

Part One: HIV'S FIRST RESPONDERS

While the politicians, celebrities, doctors, artists, and scientists who have dedicated their lives to combating HIV/AIDS are frequently seen in the media, many of those working tirelessly behind the scenes against the spread of the disease are left out of the picture. Nearly a year ago we brought you the story of Maryknoll Father Rick Bauer and his tremendous work in the African country of Namibia, where he serves as director of Catholic AIDS Action. During our visit he introduced us to his Namibian staff members, whose job it is to go into the country side to help find and support those living with HIV in poor communities. It is grueling, emotional, and unglamorous work, but an essential component in the fight against the spread of HIV. Today you'll hear from several of the Catholic AIDS Action staff in Namibia about their work, their struggles, and their commitment to improving the lives of their countrymen stricken with HIV/AIDS.

Part Two HIV'S FIRST RESPONDERS

Although ad campaigns and governmental bodies can   help improve the situation by stressing policies and practices that could help control the spread of HIV/AIDS - as well as enhance the lives of those living with the disease – perhaps the most effective and long-lasting way to reverse the damage wrought by HIV/AIDS is through community and compassion. At the heart of catholic AIDS action's attempts to address HIV/AIDS in Namibia are the many social workers who visit the poor townships and communities around the country seeking to provide support, information, and encouragement for those suffering from HIV. Whether they are checking to see if their clients are taking their medicine, monitoring their nutrition, or convincing a skeptical adult to get tested, Namibia's struggle against HIV/AIDS would be nearly impossible without the dedication and efforts of those "in the field".