World Vision caregiver Precious Sitali embodies kindness and compassion. On her sturdy bicycle she cycles from house to house, using a special kit to care for people with HIV and AIDS.

Precious eases the burden on the chronically ill. She gives reason to hope. She also helps meet the needs of orphans and vulnerable children. Thanks to her and hundreds of others like her across the Zambian community of Nakande, the tide of HIV and AIDS is starting to turn.

An HIV diagnosis can leave a person shunned by family, friends and community, but the work that Precious does reinforces the need for others to respond with compassion. Reduced stigma means people can get the help they need and be able to live with dignity. It means that people won’t be afraid to take an HIV test, or to disclose their status and seek treatment if need be — and support from Canadian sponsors has been so vital in this area.

Sponsors have also helped more than 9,200 families learn about HIV prevention. Today, HIV infections are on the decline in Nakande, and chronically ill people and vulnerable children are getting the help they desperately need.