Canada: Government Urged to Do More in Fight Against HIV in Africa

On Saturday, about 200 people gathered for a rain-soaked march and rally at the steps of Canada's Parliament in one of dozens of events organized by Grandmothers to Grandmothers to press the government to do more about AIDS globally. Across the nation, some 200 chapters of Canadian Grandmothers for Africa have raised $2 million (U.S. $1.9 million) to help the Stephen Lewis Foundation assist African grandmothers affected by HIV/AIDS.

"What gives me hope is the way we are supported internationally," said Siphiwe Hlope, 50, one of the first women in Swaziland to publicly disclose her HIV-positive status. The disease has killed 17 of her 27 siblings. Hlope, founder of the advocacy group Swaziland Positive Living, takes care of eight children, three grandchildren and five unrelated orphans.

The Stephen Lewis Foundation uses its funds to help African grandmothers build homes and latrines; purchase bedding and linens; and provide food, said Aissatou Diajhate, the foundation's spokesperson.

People at the rally signed a petition urging Canada's government to contribute 0.7 percent of the gross national income to foreign aid; contribute an equitable share to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria; and ensure that patients in the developing world have access to generic drugs.

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