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What we do...

Combat Stigma

Prevent AIDS Africa (PAA) sponsors educational conferences to empower community leaders and influential local pastors—those who are on the front lines in the battle against AIDS in Africa. During PAA conferences in Africa, local leaders learn how they can educate and influence others about HIV/AIDS, how to prevent the spread of the virus, and the importance of seeking treatment in a timely manner.


  • Since PAA's formal launch on World AIDS Day in 2006, hundreds of leaders from throughout Cameroon have attended our conferences and then returned to their communities to educate people about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. They also encourage people to break the silence and stigma that have contributed to the spread of the disease and the suffering of those in its wake. We are looking forward to achieving similar success in Lesotho.


Local leaders impact their communities

Although the AIDS epidemic officially began over three decades ago, and despite life-saving advancements in treatment, much work still needs to be done in Africa to stem and, eventually, eradicate the spread of the virus. Since its inception, PAA has continually experienced an exciting reality – that a spirit of health, hope and productivity can flourish.


  • The work PAA is carrying out in Africa has significantly impacted local communities, eliciting positive news coverage locally and internationally. The coverage and publicity of PAA's work is one more source of inspiration and motivation to our donors and volunteers who contribute to PAA's work in combating HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Holding Hands

And, why it works!

PAA works in close partnership with the Presbyterian Church of Cameroon (PCC)

  • In 2006, CAAA was invited to the country by PCC Moderator Rt. Rev. Dr. Nyansako-ni-Nku to assist in education about HIV/AIDS

  • PAA continues to work with the current PCC Moderator, The Rt. Rev. Fonki Samuel Forba, to educate citizens of Africa on the spread, prevention, and treatment of HIV/AIDS.


When clergy speak, people listen

  • Because faith-based organizations and their representatives in Africa are well respected and influential in their communities, PAA and the PCC united to create an approach to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS.

  • The PCC also has the infrastructure to provide health services and an ongoing successful track record.


Future plans include presenting the PAA model program to other African countries.

  • Dr. Nku of the PCC will help communicate our program to other nations in Africa and work to customize the program within their unique cultures. We plan to expand our efforts in 2016.


"Political systems come and go, politicians, businesses and UN organizations come and go, but the long-term perspective, the memory and the future is with faith-based organizations and religions. That perspective is what has been missing in our response to the AIDS epidemic."
     -- Peter Piot, Executive Director of UNAIDS 


ABOUT CAMEROON

Located in west central Africa (See Map). Cameroon borders Nigeria and five other countries. Its southern Atlantic coastline is on the Gulf of Guinea. Roughly the size of California, the population is nearly 18 million. French and English are Cameroon’s official languages and more than 240 local languages are also spoken.


A politically and socially stable African nation, Cameroon’s economy is 70% agriculture-based. While its per-capital GPD is higher than a number of other African countries, large numbers of Cameroonians live in poverty, in particular farmers.


The volunteers and friends of PAA have found Cameroonian people to be dignified, warm and welcoming. As a result of our work, Americans and Cameroonians have built strong relationships and life-long friendships. We invite and encourage others to experience the special beauty and warmth of this country and its people.

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