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New Program in Togo, Africa (Continued)

Togo is a small, thin sub-Saharan nation, about 350 miles long north to south. As in much of Africa, Togo's history is marked with political violence and the country is struggling economically. AIDS has claimed one or both parents of many children. The new CRF program is helping families who are taking care of children whose parents have been affected by AIDS.
Left: Richard, one year old, lives with 3 adults and 6 children (four are the landlord's children, one is a half-brother, age 3) in a rented compound of mud brick and tin. There is a courtyard and outdoor cooking area. The father has a job making $70/month as a driver/mechanic, but cannot support two adults getting HIV treatments, let alone provide for Richard and his older brother. Richard was bottle fed as a child; now eats corn meal mush with sauce. (Parents admit that he doesn't eat as well as he should.) Generally healthy except for some malaria. Both parents are HIV positive. At 10 months Richard tested negative. He needs to be tested again at 18 months.

Right: Dieudonne is 8 years old and in 2nd grade. He and his mother share one room in a compound. Most of the 'living' takes place in the compound's courtyard and circular cooking hut. His father died of AIDS and his mother is HIV positive and sick, but he is not. She lives on food grown in fields and sold at the market. She has very little means and depends on other family members. Not a 'sickly' child, but he does have some malaria, stomach problems (diarrhea) and eye infection.

Left: Photin, 10 years old, is in 2nd grade. His mother died of AIDS and his father, who is HIV positive, deserted the family. His maternal grandmother does all she can to care for him, although she has other grandchildren to look after as well. He lives with extended family (5 adults, 5 children) in a compound of 5 buildings of concrete and tin. Photin seems to be happy. Photin is HIV positive and receiving treatments from a local aid agency. He has been able to stay fairly healthy. Nutrition and medical care are important for Photin to remain alive.

The children generally eat rice and beans with tomato sauce, corn meal mush, and yams. Very little meat.

With your help, these children WILL have a future .. . Click HERE to help. . .