This is my first time at the International AIDS Conference, and I have to admit it's a bit overwhelming! But I'm learning a lot, especially about how we can improve our work with children affected by the epidemic.
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Chilobe Kambikambi at the 2008 AIDS conference in Mexico City.
Photo credit: CARE/Rick Perera
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An important innovation I've been discussing here is making community schools a one-stop shop for services for children and families. If, for example, a teacher identifies a child who is sick, we may find a whole family that needs help. If we bring all kinds of services – prevention messages, counseling and testing, treatment, economic and psychosocial support – together in one place, we can make a much greater impact. We're working in Zambia to link the different organizations that provide these services, so people can access them in one place.
I'm meeting many people here in Mexico City who share these goals. We're all learning from each other, and I'm confident that when we return to our respective countries, we'll do a better job meeting the needs of children affected by the epidemic, their families, and their communities.
Posted by Chilobe Kambikambi of CARE Zambia
