Zambia

The Republic of Zambia is a beautiful, landlocked country in southern Africa. Formerly known as Northern Rhodesia, it shares the world-renowned Victoria Falls with its neighbor, Zimbabwe. It also borders Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

More than 14% of the 11.9 million Zambians are HIV-positive and 800,000 children have lost one or both parents due to this epidemic. Life expectancy at birth is now only 42 years.*

To help with the many challenges that Zambia faces, Bethany partners with The Christian Alliance for Children in Zambia (CACZ), a part of the U.S.-based Alliance for Children Everywhere. Using their experience and skill in child rescue, CACZ works with churches and individuals to bring vulnerable children into healthy families, provide them with a basic education, and share the love of God.

In June 2008, Bethany and CACZ began their partnership through the Milk and Medicine (M & M) program in the capital city, Lusaka. Offering formula, prescription drugs, and social work support, this program prevents the institutionalization of infants whose mothers have died in childbirth or are unavailable to care for their infants due to HIV-AIDS or other crisis situations. Without M & M, many babies are abandoned or die due to extreme poverty and lack of necessary support systems.

Bethany Christian Services provides training, consultation, and research to CACZ and several other organizations in Zambia. This project was completed in August 2009. Download the complete program evaluation here. (10MB)

*Source: U.S. State Department

Click on the program title to learn how you can help.
Family Support
Milk and Medicine Project