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What is the impact on African families living with HIV/AIDS? How do they cope? Perhaps not surprisingly, women and girls bear a large part of the burden.

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International AIDS charity, Avert.org, reports:

Almost invariably, the burden of coping rests with women. Upon a family member becoming ill, the role of women as carers, income-earners and housekeepers is stepped up. They are often forced to step into roles outside their homes as well.

Tapping into savings if available and taking on more debt is usually the first option chosen by households that struggle to pay for medical treatment or funeral costs. Then as debts mount, precious assets such as bicycles, livestock and even land, are sold. Once households are stripped of their productive assets, the chances of them recovering and rebuilding their livelihoods become even slimmer.

One of the more unfortunate responses to a death in poorer households is removing the children (especially girls) from school. Often the school uniforms and fees become unaffordable for the families and the child’s labour and income-generating potential are required in the household.

How can you help? Consider reaching out and helping one of these women by sponsoring a woman through Women for Women International. For just $27 a month — less than a dollar per day — you can make a difference in the lives of women around the world.

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