May 7--World AIDS Orphan Day & Essay Contest

http://www.worldaidsorphans.org/

Children and AIDS



• AIDS has orphaned more than 15 million children around the world. Over 80% of these children live in sub-Saharan Africa.


• AIDS is more likely than any other cause of death to create double orphans – children who have lost both parents. (UNICEF)


• Less than 1 in 10 of these children receives any type of external support or help. (UNICEF)


• By 2010 there will be an estimated 20 to 25 million AIDS orphans. (UNICEF)


• Every 15 seconds, a young adult between the ages of 15 and 24 is infected with HIV. (UNICEF)


• Approximately 2.3 million children under age 15 currently live with HIV. (Global AIDS Alliance)


• Every minute, one child under age 15 dies from AIDS or an AIDS-related illness.(UNICEF)

• An estimated 11 million children under age 5 die each year from preventable or treatable diseases. (WHO)
• Children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS are more likely to suffer from hunger and malnutrition, to drop out of school, to become infected with HIV and to face discrimination, abuse, and exploitation.


About World AIDS Orphans Day


World AIDS Orphans Day, held each year on May 7th, is a grassroots campaign to draw attention to and advocate on behalf of the more than 15 million children orphaned by AIDS. The campaign engages leaders, activists, and young people from around the world in awareness raising and action for AIDS orphans and vulnerable children.


Today, a diverse coalition of organizations, government officials and everyday citizens is standing up to make children a priority in the fight against AIDS. Your voice is their future.


10 Percent for Children
This World AIDS Orphans Day, we are calling on global leaders to take serious action in addressing the crisis of AIDS orphans by allocating at least 10% of overall HIV and AIDS funding to meet the needs of children who are orphaned or made vulnerable by the pandemic.


UNAIDS estimates that at least $4 billion will be needed over the next two years to meet the basic needs of many of these children. Since 2003, the US Congress has pledged to earmark at least 10 percent of all HIV/AIDS funding for children, but it has consistently failed to meet this goal. Increased funding will provide the necessary resources for governments, partner organizations, and local communities to respond to the special needs of children.


Visit www.worldaidsorphans.org to join the campaign.

Spread the word.  Tweet this.  Post on Facebook.  Email this post to family and friends.  Email me at powerofonlyone(at)gmail(dot)com and I can send you the flyers and logos.  Tomorrow's post will feature the essay contest and rules.    (all data from www.worldaidsorphans.org an FXB initiative)

We can all change the world, even with the Power of Only One.