Community responses to AIDS

As it becomes clear that national actions alone will not handle the AIDS epidemic, more responsibility is being given to communities, whose characteristics lend themselves to coping with the complicated aspects of the AIDS epidemic. But community members cannot handle the AIDS-related problems alone. They need help in overcoming the fear and stigma; bridging the geographical distances; confronting the double trouble of HIV and TB; and sharing the disproportionate burden of care on women. Below, community responses to AIDS in Africa and some lessons learned.