Hello Everyone!
This date marks the approximate "one month left" point for my time here in the United States. So I started this blog, now, mainly for 2 reasons: one, family/friend requests and two, I still have reliable internet access.
My assignment: Community Health Promoter for the Health & HIV/AIDS Capacity Building Project in Mozambique. My Peace Corps packet states that as a Health Volunteer, I will be placed to work with a non-governmental, community-based, or faith-based organization and will be assisting them in improving their HIV/AIDS prevention and care projects and programs.
According to UNAIDS, at the end of 2007 HIV prevalence in Mozambique was estimated to be around 12.5%, though I've heard higher numbers. There is a geographical discrepancy, as 9% of these cases are in the northern part of the country whereas 21% are located in the southern region. And, HIV, for numerous reasons (which I can elaborate on further if you ask) disproportionately affects women. UNAIDS/WHO estimates for 2007 show that "HIV prevalence among young women [is] at 8.5% compared to 2.9% among young men."
The government of Mozambique in the post-war period has focused the Peace Corps into work with the education and health sectors. I will be part of the 14th group of volunteers serving in Mozambique. And next year marks the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps.
Here is my address during my Pre-Service Training (10 weeks of intense, 6 days a week, technical, language, cultural, health, and safety training held a bit outside of Maputo in the South):
Donna Bean, PCT
Peace Corps
C.P. 4398
Maputo, Mozambique
I currently have been provided about 5 different packing lists, so I'll be working on that throughout the coming weeks. I'm only allowed 80 pounds and 2 bags for the next 2 years, and I'm looking forward to the feeling of accomplishment when I make it happen. Haha.
Boa noite.
