"When I told my family and friends that I was traveling to Africa with Sandy to work on a documentary about the HIV and AIDS epidemic, I received similar reactions. People were concerned that I would be surrounded by sad people, sick people, and just a lot of hardship and tragedy. But it wasn't like that at all. Everyone we interviewed had tested positive for HIV, but they were all healthy and happy due to the help they received from GAIA. It was confirmation that there is hope that we can beat this disease, and we are getting close." Melanie (video and production editor)
Check out our video of our time in Malawi!
AIDS Isn't Over...but It Could Be
Sandy Puc' Photography trip to Africa with GAIA
In September 2017, Sandy and Melanie traveled to Malawi Africa (one of Africa's poorest counties where HIV and AIDS is more prevalent) to document the efforts of Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (GAIA), an organization that works to reach the rural, inaccessible communities of Africa, and provide much-needed healthcare services. With support from the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, GAIA joins UNAIDS' call for an end to the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Together, they plan to do this by reaching the 90-90-90 treatment target by 2020: 90% of all living with HIV know their HIV status, 90% of those who know their HIV status will receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 90% of those receiving ART will achieve viral suppression. To donate to GAIA's efforts, visit www.thegaia.org
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