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“The drama of AIDS threatens not just some nations or societies, but the whole of humanity.... Only a response that takes into account both the medical aspects of the illness, as well as the human, cultural, ethical, and religious dimensions of life, can offer complete solidarity to its victims and raise the hope that the epidemic can be controlled and turned back.”
Pope John Paul II

Lenten stories

Week 5 — El Salvador

Teresa's story

Teresa, 36, lives with three of her four sons, Rory, 16, Jose, 13, and Raphael, 11, in a tiny shack in Santiago Texacuango, near El Salvador’s capital city. Their one room home sits precariously on a steep slope that is propped up with old car tyres. Like thousands of people across El Salvador, Teresa and her youngest son are HIV positive.

Sister Mary Annel of local organisation CONTRASIDA (‘Against AIDS’) explains: “There are approximately 20,000 known infections in El Salvador but the real figure is likely to be three or four times higher. HIV/AIDS is concentrated in the youth, and especially the poor here – populations that are the focus of our programs.” In response to El Salvador’s growing HIV/AIDS pandemic, Caritas Australia is supporting CONTRASIDA to run a Preventive Education and Accompaniment Program that aims to halt the spread of the disease and support those living with and affected by it.

Teresa has been involved in the program since 2004. As she describes: “There is much prejudice in this country against people with HIV. Six years ago things were very bad. I hadn’t begun antiviral treatment and my disease advanced rapidly as my defences were low. My husband didn’t help economically and I felt a real burden caring for our sons without help.”

The program’s weekly clinic in one of San Salvador’s slums provides medical and psychological care, as well as pastoral accompaniment of people living with HIV and their families. “Another mother of a child with HIV/AIDS informed me of CONTRASIDA’s clinic,” Teresa said. “Since then, I have participated in their monthly medical consults and my sons have also received medical attention.”

In addition to medical services, the program offers holistic support including counselling, nutrition supplements and school assistance for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. “My family receives food stuffs on a monthly basis and at the beginning of the school year my sons receive school supplies which have helped them continue their education,” Teresa explained.

Volunteers are trained to conduct community workshops and make fortnightly home visits to people affected by the disease, to listen and discuss health and family issues and ensure people use their medicines properly. They also accompany people to government health clinics and hospitals, and help people navigate El Salvador’s complex health system.

The program helps people take control of their own lives. Self-help groups build relationships between those affected by HIV/AIDS, often isolated by their illness. The groups receive training in human rights, how to access the health system, laws that protect people living with HIV/AIDS and legal aid when violations occur. “The groups decide what themes they want to deal with. They help people who are facing death, those who have lost partners and the new generation of young people affected by the virus indirectly, such as AIDS orphans,” Sister Mary Annel explains.

Teresa’s group has been a huge support for her: “Our group encourages me to take responsibility about my status. They make sure I take my medicines. They are like a family.”

Teresa’s family have joined many of the program’s activities: “We’ve participated in field days, spiritual retreats and celebrations, which I enjoy very much. We spend most of our time at home so these days are so important — they help relax my mind.”

As many of the program’s participants are unable to do strenuous work due to poor health, staff and volunteers support them to establish small businesses. “I sew for a living with the electric sewing machine,” Teresa explains. “I make the aprons that tradeswomen wear at market, with a zip pocket to keep their money safe. My mother sells the aprons and I pay her something for her work.”

Since the program began, it has affected 35,000 people directly or indirectly. The whole community gets involved through the educational street theatre for young people, and lively workshops for parish, community and men’s groups. Public forums like these raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and how it is transmitted, and help reduce stigma of those living with the virus. Team members have noticed the community’s attitudes and actions have improved since the workshops started.

Whereas Teresa was very reserved when she joined the program, her self esteem has now grown. “The program has helped me in many areas. And I’ve come to know and understand many more people – I am more tolerant now,” Teresa reflects.

With improved health and confidence, Teresa now sees a future for her family: “My hope is to see my sons grow, to see them finish their studies, have a paying job, and earn enough for their own clothing and food.”

How you can help
Your donation to Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion brings hope and helps combat HIV/AIDS and other diseases, for families like Teresa’s.