When Zola’s* husband died of HIV three years ago, his family rejected her and her ten children.  Zola is also HIV positive and now cares for the children by herself.  Further adversity struck when

Zola developed peripheral neuropathy, which left her unable to work.  With 10 children to support, Zola seemed to be in a desperate situation.

Fortunately, Zola and her family have enrolled in support services through Heal Africa, a partner of Global Strategies for HIV Prevention. HEAL Africa  provided Zola with medical treatment and connected the family with income generating activities.

One of Zola's children is HIV positive and a part of the Children’s AIDS Program (CAP,) a program funded by Global Strategies through Hope Walks events. Workers from CAP, visit Zola’s family daily, providing necessary medications and psychological support so they can continue moving forward in life.

- Story courtesy of Dr. Vindu Vyolo, Director of the Children’s AIDS Program at HEAL Africa in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

*All names have been changed to protect the identity of those enrolled in CAP and other HEAL Africa programs.