Keep hope alive

HIV/AIDS

What is AIDS?

People with AIDS don't suffer alone—the disease attacks their families and communities as well. AIDS has stripped out an entire generation of parents, farmers, doctors, and leaders. 12 million African children have already lost one or both parents to AIDS, and unless we take serious action now, there will be more than 18 million AIDS orphans by the end of the decade. Millions of children will have lost not only their parents, but their teachers, nurses and friends too. Businesses are losing their workers, governments are losing their civil servants, families are losing their breadwinners. As a result, entire communities are devastated and economies that are already crippled by poverty, debts and unfair trade policies are further compromised.

Global Health Council Statement on HIV/AIDS Infection Rates in Africa

Every day in Africa:

  • HIV/AIDS kills 6,600 people
  • 8,800 people are infected with the HIV virus
  • 1,400 newborn babies are infected during childbirth or by their mothers' milk
  • Around 40 million people worldwide are infected with HIV, 95 percent of whom live in developing countries. In 2004, approximately five million people were newly infected with the virus.
  • HIV/AIDS has killed more than 20 million people worldwide. 3.1 million people died of AIDS-related causes in 2004.
  • AIDS is the leading cause of death in Africa and the fourth-leading cause of death worldwide.

 

"Children need the power to protect themselves from HIV infection. They need information, they need services, and they need to be empowered to exercise their right to control their lives and their sexuality. Children, like women, need to be empowered to say no."

Dr. Thoraya Obaid, Executive Director United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)