SWAZILAND: AIDS and drought destroying country - Church

The Anglican Church in Swaziland has described the country's combined crisis of HIV/AIDS and drought as a "tragedy beyond comprehension".

Afrol News reported that the church alleged it had become the only hope for many, as the Swazi government remained inactive.

Veronica Maziya, a representative of the Swaziland diocese of the Anglican Church, said some 20,000 of the country's people succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses every year.

"The situation is a disaster for Swaziland. HIV has destroyed our youth and the future. We have been left with an orphaned country, and face a tragedy beyond comprehension," Maziya was quoted as saying.

Theme (s): Care/Treatment - PlusNews, Children,

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]