South Africa is a country full of diversity
It has a population of 50.1 million speaking 11 different official languages. Although it is known for its incredible beauty and wildlife, South Africa has been severely impacted by the devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic. The facts are alarming. It is estimated that in South Africa:
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5.7 million people were living with HIV and AIDS in 2009* - a number higher than any other country.
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1/2 of the country's orphans are a result of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.**
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Between 1.5 and 3 million AIDS orphans have one or both parents that are deceased.***
We focus our efforts on one of the least developed areas in South Africa, the Umkhanyakude district, in the KwaZulu-Natal province. This district suffers from:
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One of the HIGHEST HIV INFECTION RATES IN THE WORLD
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Adolescents growing up here have almost a 50% chance of being infected by HIV during their lifetime.
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More than 5% of female high-school students are infected with HIV by the time they graduate - many more will contract other sexually transmitted infections.
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Adolescents receive little education about how to avoid becoming infected, the lifestyle changes necessary if infected and how to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
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High rates of unemployment: 80% of youth in the district are unemployed.
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Malnutrition: Both adult obesity and childhood stunting are common.
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Adolescent pregnancy: Approximately 25% of female high school students will become pregnant before graduation.
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Limited access to clean water: The district still suffers from periodic outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases, including schistosomiasis- a debilitating parasitic infection.
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High rates of gender violence
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Substance abuse
