Since 2019, ZASO Children’s Home has been a sanctuary for HIV+ orphans in Zanzibar, offering care and support to children aged 6 to 23. Currently, ZASO supports 46 children, providing essential medical care, safety, educational assistance, and a sense of belonging. While antiretroviral medication is available for free through Tanzania’s national HIV response, ZASO receives no government funding. They must cover all additional medical costs and operational expenses independently.

With over 300 children on their waiting list, ZASO urgently needs to raise $75,000 USD beyond their monthly budget to expand their reach and provide for more children in need.

The children at ZASO have faced unimaginable challenges, including severe stigma and discrimination from their families and communities. In Zanzibar, misconceptions about HIV persist—many people falsely believe the virus can be transmitted through casual contact, leading to social isolation for those living with HIV. As a result, some parents refuse to let their children interact with HIV+ peers, deepening the isolation and stigma.

How Your Contribution Helps

Every donation to our campaign goes directly to supporting the children’s needs, including:

Understanding HIV

HIV is not just a medical condition—it is deeply influenced by societal factors. In Sub-Saharan Africa, poverty and limited access to healthcare services hinder prevention and treatment efforts. Many people lack access to essential resources such as condoms, testing services, and antiretroviral medications (ARVs).

Harmful misconceptions and stigma continue to create barriers. These false beliefs discourage people from getting tested, seeking treatment, and living openly with HIV. Individuals living with HIV often face discrimination in employment, healthcare, and social relationships due to a lack of understanding about how the virus is transmitted.

Challenges in Zanzibar

In Zanzibar, discussing sexual and reproductive health remains taboo. Most people do not have access to accurate, comprehensive sexual health education. This lack of information has led to:

The resulting stigma prevents many people from seeking testing or treatment, perpetuating the cycle of infection and discrimination.

Join Us in Making a Difference

By supporting ZASO, you are not just helping children access basic needs and medical care—you are giving them a chance to thrive, free from stigma and isolation. Together, we can create a brighter future for these children and help dismantle the misconceptions and barriers surrounding HIV in Zanzibar.