In Bali, a significant number of women and children affected by HIV/AIDS come from impoverished rural communities, having lost their husbands, who were once the sole breadwinners, to the disease.
This devastating loss places the sudden and involuntary burden of supporting these newly widowed women and orphaned children entirely onto extended family members. Because many of these women lack the professional skills and employment opportunities needed to sustain themselves, their sudden dependency strains the resources of already struggling family units.
Consequently, urgent assistance remains critical. Unemployed and lacking financial independence, these mothers face immense challenges in providing adequate care, securing proper nutrition, and covering school fees for their children. In severe cases where children are fully orphaned by HIV/AIDS, or where families are simply unable to care for an HIV-positive child, the Kerti Praja Foundation intervenes by facilitating orphanage referrals. This ensures the children receive vital temporary care until a capable family member can take them in. Furthermore, through the generous support of the Rotary Club Bali Nusa Dua, scholarships are provided to cover the costs of elementary education for children living with HIV.
To combat these challenges, the Kerti Praja Foundation operates comprehensive Care, Support, and Treatment (CST) programs tailored for affected children and their families. These initiatives deliver vital lifelines, including medical fee subsidies, hospital assistance for underprivileged families, specialized training for midwives, educational scholarships, nutritional aid, and the distribution of bicycles to improve mobility.
If you are interested in our mitigation program for families affected by HIV/AIDS or would like to help, click here.
