HIV is not limited to the Western world. Many of us living with HIV here should never forget how lucky we are. We have access to great healthcare systems and the life-saving anti-retroviral drugs. We have a good chance of a relatively normal existence. In other parts of the world this is not quite as easy.
Tomorrow night in Belfast there is an opportunity to help raise money for one organisation that is doing excellent work with the people living with pandemic levels of HIV/AIDS in Swaziland and Zimbabwe. The opportunity is a table quiz being held in the Parish Hall of St George’s Church, High Street, begining at 7.45p.m..
The organisation for whom funds are being raised is USPG Ireland. A friend of mine, Gerry Lynch, who last year spent six months working with USPG in South Africa told me:
Entry is £6 per person including a complimentary drink and nibbles. As well as helping people in Swaziland and Zimbabwe living with pandemic levels of HIV/AIDS, extreme poverty and ruthlessly authoritarian governments, it should be a great night’s craic. This is a high quality quiz including a music round and video round.
USPG Ireland works with the Anglican Dioceses of Swaziland, the country with the world’s highest HIV infection rate, and Harare, where the church faces outright religious persecution from the Mugabe régime, including physical assault and theft of its property. USPG Ireland supports Anglicans in Swaziland and Zimbabwe in achieving their goals, including support for people with HIV and HIV/AIDS orphans, social justice and good government. It also plays a vital role in raising awareness of the situations in Swaziland and Zimbabwe with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and the general public on both sides of the border.
I don’t know if Gerry is the quiz master this time. But I do know from past experience that quizzes with which he is involved are high quality and great fun. If anyone wants to join me at the quiz, do let me know.
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