Mashambanzou Care Trust (MCT)

Mashambanzou Care Trust (MCT) was established in 1989 by a true vissionary, Sr. Noreen Nolan of the LittleCompany of Mary after she had witnessed the suffering, pain, societal rejection and stigmatimatisation of people living with HIV/AIDS in Harare, Zimbabwe. In establishing the Trust, Sr. Nolan envissioned a society in which all people living with, or affected by HIV/AIDS are free from stigma, have access to safe and affordable treatment, as well as live normal fulfilling lives. At the centre of her heart was to prevent HIV from spreading further hence destroying lives and families In order to achieve this vision, the founding mission and primary objectives of Mashambanzou Care Trust were set. Mashambanzou Care Trust aspires to help people living with HIV/AIDS through their fear, loneliness, hunger, stigmatisation and discrimination. The trust offers these people a life filled with hope, at a time when all hope has been lost. Mashambanzou Care Trust aspires to shepherd the People Living with HIV and those affected through their dark nights of loneliness, fear, hunger, stigma and discrimination, and to walk confidently into the dawn of a new life filled with hope and untapped opportunities. Vision HIV free communities with individuals who are not only healthier, but are also able to take responsibility of their own lives. Mission Mashambanzou is committed to providing quality care and support for poor people living with HIV and empowering local communities to deal with HIV and AIDS. What They Do - Care for the sick in their homes - Provide counselling and psychosocial support to their families - Treat opportunistic infections - Ensure comprehensive care and follow-up - Refer people in need to clinics and other community-based support - Identify, refer and follow-up patients on anti-retroviral therapy - Deliver life-honouring palliative care - Distribute medicines, soap and nutrition to home-based patients and orphans - Supply blankets to orphans - Assist orphans with school fees, uniforms and school supplies - Offer grief and bereavement counselling, particularly to orphans - Provide spiritual support - Impart life skills - Encourage voluntary counselling and testing - Fight stigma and discrimination through public awareness - Provide information, education and counselling materials - Reach out through education and counselling specifically focused on coping with stigma - Train volunteers in basic care management - Train primary caregivers - Mobilise communities and empower them to take charge