When news of the world-wide AIDS pandemic hit the headlines in 1981, the world panicked. Parents kept their children home from school when the first cases of young people stricken with the disease were reported. Fear and mistrust were the order of the day.

In the decades that followed, HIV/AIDS research has provided some answers and allowed a few of the fears to subside. Although it remains a devastating affliction with no known cure, it can often be treated and generally avoided.

Events like AIDS Walk for Life, help to raise awareness for issues around the illness. Understanding of the disease has gradually helped to calm some of those initial fears.
While the turmoil over AIDS was still at its height in the 1980’s, the need for quality end of life care for its victims became apparent. Out of this came the growth of hospices. The Salvation Army was quick to grasp the idea of community-based, home like ministry to terminally ill patients.

It opened the Agape Hospice in Calgary, Alberta. The name “Agape” is the Greek word for unselfish, “brotherly” love, indicating the genuine concern expressed in the attention given to each patient and their loved ones. Over the past 15 years, the Agape Hospice has provided end of life care for 3,200 individuals and their families, including many AIDS sufferers. It provides the medical support necessary to reduce suffering as much as possible. The hospice also provides emotional and pastoral support to those who desire it.

In Canada, The Salvation Army does not target AIDS with specific programming. However, it does carry out its diverse programs in a way that includes those who suffer from the illness. For example, the Army’s Community Care Ministry provides training for its lay visitors who may come in contact with AIDS while visiting in hospitals and nursing homes.

Most Salvation Army centres take a holistic approach to their work. Pastoral support is given to those who want help coming to terms with the diagnosis and its implications. This is given alongside the practical services offered at the facility.

One individual who found support in his struggle with AIDS is Riley, who attends The Salvation Army’s Harbour Light church in downtown Toronto. After struggling through abuse and addiction issues for 25 years, Riley found help and acceptance at Harbour Light. He credits the pastors with saving his life, following up on him, encouraging him in his struggles. He is now considering volunteer activities through The Salvation Army that will allow him to encourage others to come forward in their struggles with AIDS and find the peace and hope that he has come to know.

In countries like Zimbabwe, on the other hand, where nearly 2 million of its 12 million citizens live with AIDS, and 170,000 die each year, The Salvation Army addresses AIDS directly. It approaches the issue of AIDS in its community development work, providing support to local leaders who identify areas of need and concern.

In its kids clubs, while the young people have fun, important topics such as AIDS are addressed. This provides an opportunity for Salvation Army workers to support the children coping with the consequences of AIDS in their daily lives. They also train women in particular to care for loved ones who are living with AIDS in their homes.

At The Salvation Army’s Howard Hospital in Zimbabwe, Tariro, The “Hope” Clinic, which is the first HIV/AIDS treatment centre in rural Zimbabwe opened its doors in September 2004. The clinic is part of a pilot project launched by the Zimbabwean Ministry of Health, aimed at addressing the tremendous need in that country for HIV/AIDS treatment.

The program is currently expanding to include a mobile HIV clinic that provides care at 16 sites throughout the hospital’s district. It brings medical support to those who cannot access the hospital location as well as those who require ongoing attention.

Nearby, in Tanzania, the ‘Mama Mkubwa’, or ‘Big Mother’ project identifies children who need help because of AIDS. Many of these are orphans who are supporting their brothers and sisters without any adult guidance.

Children in the program receive care from trained volunteer families and support through play groups. They receive food, clothing, medical care and the opportunity to go to school. Through the Mama Mkubwa program, areas that have felt the impact of AIDS can care for their own children, keeping their own future leaders in the community.

This is just a small snapshot of some of the ways in which The Salvation Army addresses the issue of AIDS in Canada and around the world. Until there is a cure, it will continue to offer support to those who suffer because of it.

by Kim Walter