The Hill News

Five years ago, Richard Sianeza was on his deathbed, dying of AIDS. A farmer in Zambia, he had spent seven months unable to work and unable to support his family. A World Vision community caregiver paid Richard a visit and encouraged him to be tested for HIV.

“This is why I am alive today,” he says. “Imagine what would have happened if I didn’t go for voluntary counseling and testing.” He speaks knowledgably about his illness. “My CD4 count was 120,” well below a normal count between 500 and 1200. “But after being on antiretroviral drugs for more three years now, my CD4 count has shot up to 1,368.”

Richard is now healthy enough to work his farm, earn extra income by fishing, and inspire others in his community to be tested for HIV. Because Richard is healthy and working, his children are in school rather than an orphanage, preparing for their role in Zambia’s future.

Richard is just one of the millions of people alive toda! y because of American leadership. Yes, U.S. foreign assistance is a primary reason Richard is alive and healthy today.

Read more...