M+R Spedag supports SWISS AIDS CARE INTERNATIONAL

M+R Spedag selects SWISS AIDS CARE INTERNATIONAL for annual charity project
 
Through his foundation 'Swiss Aids Care International', Professor Ruedi Luethy began in mid 2003 to build a medical center in Harare (Zimbabwe) that includes both a walk-in clinic as well as a laboratory. The center provides medical and psychological support to Aids patients, both juveniles and adults. Every month there are about 100 new patients that enter the program. In the long run, the program wants to treat some 1000 Aids- and HIV patients, free of charge. In addition, the center aims to extend its competences also into the field of pediatric HIV treatment. Professor Luethy is being actively supported by Professor Christoph Rudin of the pediatric clinic of the University Hospital Basel

Despite the fact that Zimbabwe currently faces a deep crisis, Professor Luethy managed to successfully start his Aids project. From more than 2000 local applicants, six nurses and support staff were recruited and trained. The aim is that these nurses will be able to examine and consult patients with a large degree of independence, of course under the supervision of a medical doctor.

One of the most difficult tasks was and is the selection of patients. Professor Luethy: "It is a nightmare, knowing that there are - based on official figures - app. 300'000 people in Zimbabwe in need of HIV treatment. We have decided to adapt a concept in which officials from various churches and religions make a primary selection of potential patients.

The aim is to introduce into the free program primarily people who have to support a family, and who have no other means to afford medical treatment. Another group includes people that are important to the society due to their professional background, such as nurses, teachers, students etc.

The increase in patients since March 2004 is both gratifying as worrisome. The more patients there are, the faster the limit set by the available financial resources is reached, and patients will have to be rejected. For this reason, the foundation relies strongly on donations, in order to give further support to the poorest of the poor in Africa's southern regions.

The Swiss Aids Care International team in Harare

For more information please contact:

SWISS AIDS CARE INTERNATIONAL
Verena Conzett-Strasse 7
8036 Zürich
Tel. +41-43-317 13 04
Fax. +41-43-317 13 42
info@swissaidscare.ch
www.swissaidscare.ch

 
Wednesday, December 27, 2006 - M+R Spedag Switzerland