Wema Sanga, General Secretary of PIUMA, presented the historyof the self-help group PIUMA and the current challenges the organization faces at a conference called "Parliament Ppositive" in Vienna.

The conference was hosted by the president of the Austrian Parliament, Barbara Prammer and enabled NGOs to introduce their efforts to fight HIV/AIDS.

Mrs. Sanga concentrated on the role of PLHWA (people living with HIV-AIDS) in prevention and care. She was applauded by the audience when she demanded more commitment from state and church officials because PLWAH "have a human right to get proper medical treatment."

The PIUMA General-Secretary was accompanied by Gerhard Raxendorfer, a HIV-positive volunteer serving with PIUMA in Bulongwa, and by Elisabeth Zenz, EAWM employee and interpreter for Wema.

Gottfried Mernyi