JULY 2004 — Traditional Ethiopian community groups that help families bury their dead, called idirs, are taking on an important new role to serve the living in Ethiopia.

Members of these burial societies are contributing personal and financial resources to reduce the expense of home-based care for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Recognizing this prominent role in Ethiopian communities, Family Health International joined forces with the idirs to bring home-based healthcare to thousands of people with AIDS, as well as other chronic illnesses.

Photo: In May 2003, 1,500 idir representatives met to share their experiences and work together to identify how the best possible home-based care can be provided. (FHI)

(Source: U.S. Agency for International Development)