CNN Hero Patricia Sawo Empowers HIV/AIDS Survivors In Kenya

Patricia Sawo believed that if she fasted and prayed hard enough, her HIV would go away. Four years later, she realized that her health did not reflect on her faith.

"HIV is not a moral issue. It's a virus."

Sawo knew that too many of her fellow Kenyans believed that HIV was a curse from God. So, she took her message to her congregation and started to build a community of support and empowerment. She was recently named a CNN Hero because of her work's success.

Sawo believes that the first step toward eradicating HIV is shifting its connotation.

"My mission is to change people's attitudes toward HIV."

Along with helping others through her religious ministry, she established the Discover to Recover Centre, which houses children orphaned by AIDS. There, she gives them hope through both physical and emotional care.

Sawo is currently funded by Hope Span, a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving hope through community action. To make a donation, follow the Impact links below: