December 3 , 2004

Music of hope

The Sinikithemba HIV-positive choir brought a message of hope to the hospital when they performed traditional Zulu music in the WACC lobby Nov. 29 in recognition of World AIDS Day. The South African choir, whose Zulu name means, "we give hope," is comprised of 15 HIV-positive members who participate in an AIDS support group in Durban, South Africa. Their songs focused on messages of love, community and hope.

The Partners AIDS Research Center at the MGH and Harvard Medical School (HMS) has been working with the choir to raise funds for the treatment of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Currently, a center of HIV treatment of excellence is being established at McCord Hospital in Durban in a joint program with the MGH, HMS and the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine.