In Chididi, a small village tucked away in the hills of Southern Malawi, the people are singing a new song of hope. On 25 March 2006 the new Home Based Care program was launched. This program is part of SIM's HOPE for AIDS initiative responding to the HIV/AIDS pandemic that is devastating communities like Chididi.

The launching ceremony was an opportunity for the 22 volunteers from the AEC (Africa Evangelical Church is SIM's partner in Malawi), who had just finished their 2 week training course, to celebrate together. They were joined by the local Member of Parliament, Hon Mr Chimpokosera (pictured below), representatives of the Nsanje district hospital, 6 local chiefs, and leaders from the AEC.

The HBC program trains church volunteers to make regular home visits to patients and their families providing practical, emotional and spiritual support. The program at Chididi is the third such program that has started in Malawi and will be closely followed in May by another in the rural village of Chapananga.

The long term effects of the original Home Based Care pilot programs at Naotcha and Sankhulani are beginning to be felt with increased community understanding. Some patients have become strong enough to return to work or school, and more people are attending Voluntary Test & Counseling. Local chiefs have commented on the renewed sense of hope in the community and some have been drawn to faith in Jesus through this demonstration of Christ's love in action.

Get Involved

Our hearts desire is to see a Home Based Care program like this operating out of every one of the 80 or so AEC churches in Malawi. If you'd like to help us realise this dream then please pray and give to SIM Project number MW 96253