With the global recognition of December 1 as the World AIDS Day – an event usually commemorated annually for “persons living with AIDS” – many have continuously looked forward with great expectations from the Hope for the Village Child Foundation, an NGO based in Chukun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The impact of the foundation has over the years, touched positively on the lives of many persons, not just Chukun but also in Igabi, Kajuru, Kaduna South local government areas, and even beyond, with several others from neighbouring states.

Following the immense and unmeasured contributions of the staff and personnel of the Hope for the Village Child Foundation in ameliorating the health conditions and socio-economic well-being of rural dwellers, especially those residing in faraway settlements and communities, its presence in these rural communities has been regarded as God-sent.

Not only has the foundation extended healthcare extension services – such as maternal health, treatment of malaria and other health issues, including educational support programmes - it has also provided treatment for children with rickets, physical and mental disabilities. This has further endeared it to all, with some even coming from the adjoining communities close to the metropolis.

To this end, some of the victims of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, generally termed as Persons living with Aids, within and outside Chukun Local Government of Kaduna State have expressed their immense gratitude to the Hope for the Village Child Foundation which has made life worth living to them.

This, according to them, is greatly appreciated despite the challenges of stigmatisation, the financial burden of obtaining medication and, from available reports, are reportedly gearing up to celebrate World AIDS Day.

The Hope for the Village Child Foundation has carved a niche for itself, especially with its humane programmes that have brought life to people resident in some of the communities that had hitherto faced neglect from society, particularly the government: both at state and national levels.

How this foundation has been able to succeed and make commendable inroads in these rural communities remains unknown. However, this platform through dedicated investigations discovered that, the sincerity of purpose by the management team of dedicated hands – tasked with the responsibility of running the affairs of the Hope for the Village Child Foundation – has been the magic wand.

However, these have come with challenges to the foundation as many come with varying health needs that, sometimes, seem cumbersome. However, this has not in any way, deterred the management team of the centre in their show of love to physically challenged persons, including the sick. The gains are little but the pains have always remained high. But with its determination, pains are daily being overshadowed by the gains, no matter how little.

•Tanko writes from Kaduna.

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