Zambia, though it has had a stable government for many years, is one of the poorest countries in Africa. Two thirds of the people farm at a subsistence level and live on less than a dollar a day. The life expectancy of a Zambian is 40 years.

   In 2005, 98,000 people died of AIDS. The cumulative effect of this tragedy is that, in a country of 11.5 million people, there are 820,000 AIDS orphans. The impact of AIDS is felt in every aspect of life. National development has been stifled. The country's limited resources are stretched beyond the imaginable breaking point. 

   In Zambia, as in many African countries, there is a widespread belief that a man can be cured of AIDS by sleeping with a virgin. The “Virgin Cure” myth leaves many victimized young girls few options for their future beyond prostitution.

   The Zambians and their government are very receptive to nonprofit organizations, and their needs are dire and endless.

   For more information on Zambia, click here.