I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. Proverbs 8:12

Many students receive HIV and AIDS education and prevention messages at school through classroom instruction, posters and written messages. Photo taken in Zambia.

...because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners... Isaiah 61: 1

Bicycles provide access to remote locations so staff of an MCC partner organization in Uganda, AEGY, can visit support groups for people living with HIV and AIDS. Staff members offer spiritual, material and medical assistance and care. Photo taken in Uganda.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.  Romans 15:7

With 45 percent of new HIV infections happening in young people between the ages of 15 and 24, prevention and education workshops for young people are essential to stopping the spread of the virus. Focusing on issues of gender equity is part of the prevention message. Photo taken in Bangladesh.

The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, so that one may avoid the snares of death.  Proverbs 13:14 (NRSV)

Access to correct information continues to be critical in stopping the AIDS pandemic. MCC's Generations at Risk fund supports the printing of training material, booklets and posters that provide the facts about transmission and prevention. Photo taken in India.

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:10-11

Girls participate in an exercise of shaking hands with one another randomly to demonstrate how having multiple sexual partners puts a person at risk for contracting HIV. Afterward, some of the girls are chosen to have ribbons pinned on them because they are the ones who have been infected with HIV. Photo taken in Bangladesh.

"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." Psalm 68:5

Some 33 million people around the world are living with HIV. The influence of AIDS reaches far beyond people who are infected. It has devastating effects on the lives and prospects of children, of family members -- and on society as a whole. Photo taken in Chad.

"Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, Be strong, do not fear...  Isaiah 35: 3,4

It takes courage for people to publicly disclose that they are HIV-positive and to speak out about AIDS awareness. Photo taken in Bangladesh.

Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood." Isaiah 54:4

Women bear the brunt of the AIDS pandemic. They carry a large part of the burden of caring for the sick, while serving as a primary caregiver for children. Many women are at risk for infection within marriage though they are monogamous, and they often have unequal access to necessary medical care. In many places, women are unable to access marital property as a widow. Because of inequalities in the education of girls compared to boys, widows often struggle to find jobs and to earn enough to support their families. Photo taken in Tanzania.

And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.  Luke 2:7

Africa carries 24 percent of the global burden of disease but has only 3 percent of the world's health care work force. Photo taken in Nigeria.

In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.  Isaiah 63:9

Tainted blood continues to be a mode of HIV transmission, particularly in countries where there is a shortage of health care workers and medicines and crumbling health care infrastructure. Photo taken in India.

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Isaiah 40:1

Twelve million children in sub-Saharan Africa have lost either parent or both parents to AIDS. Photo taken in Tanzania.

...And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.  Micah 6:8 

Forty-five percent of all HIV and AIDS responses in Africa are due to faith-based organizations and the churches. One way churches respond is to offer nutritional support to families living with HIV. Photo taken in Tanzania.