About the Pinmakers

There are currently 25 million people in sub-Saharan Africa living with HIV/AIDS, but it is difficult to imagine that many millions of people as individuals. In 2005 and 2006 FACE AIDS helped to create four support groups for Africans affected by AIDS in Mwange and Meheba refugee camps in Zambia. We paid their members to make the beaded pins we use in our campaigns. FACE AIDS also partnered with two existing Zambian support groups in Mporokoso and Solwezi, towns which neighbor the refugee camps.

Support group members do not have to be HIV-positive. Some have taken in AIDS orphans, some have lost a close friend or relative to the disease, and some are, in fact, infected. All are taking a stand against the epidemic by joining the group despite the strong stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

These 30 people are the faces of AIDS in Africa. Each represents almost a million other silent Africans affected by AIDS.

Meet the individuals. Meet your responsibility to change the future.