Some updates: I did manage to get some info on the two children I blogged about before I left home: Mantua is apparently thriving, and doing well on her meds. One of the Canadian Grannies visited the project in Soweto where Mantua's grandmother participates in programs- the Can. grannie has an email address where I can follow up for more details if I wish.

Bruno will graduate from his final year of school this year, and he is no longer alone and isolated. The projects coordinator said he is doing just fine.

In both cases, the SLF contribution plays a role. Something said by one of the Can. grannies comes to mind. When she talks to groups she holds up a $50 bill and asks them what they would do if they lost it? Had it stolen? What impact would it have on their lifestyle?

Then she describes the impact $50 can have on lives such as Bruno's.

Now on CAMR- Canadian Access to Medicines Regime. Elizabeth Rennie- one of the most charming and effective members of the Canadian delegation here- has written the brief to Canadian gov't on behalf of the National Advocacy Network. The brief urges our government to live up to our promises regarding provision of generic ARVs- antiretroviral drugs- that are crucial in the treatment of AIDS. In her oral presentations she asks politicians three times to imagine their own daughter needs the meds, and they can't get them. Fixing them finally with her lovely blue eyed stare.

The issue as I understand it is that gov't has imposed so much red tape that the generics manufacturers have been unable to comply- therefore only one shipment of ARVs has been delivered in the 6 years since CAMR passed parliament. People are dying/have died who could be living full and productive lives now. Children become orphans who could still have parents now if only they had meds. The bill (C 393) has passed 2nd reading and has gone to the Industry, Science and Technology committee which will take submissions and then report back to parliament.

In Canada almost no infants are born HIV-positive because mothers are given ARVs through their pregnancies. In Africa- if I have heard the stats correctly, only 10% of pregnant women receive ARVs, and the children of those who don't have a 50% chance of being born HIV-positive. (Medical people among you will know there is a drug- novirapine? that when given during the birthing process has some prophylactic effect- where available, it is used.)

"Let no leaders make decisions that don't affect them."