Tell World Leaders to act on behalf of AIDS Orphans

More than 15 million children worldwide have lost one or both parents to AIDS. By 2010, the number of AIDS orphans worldwide is expected to climb to an estimated 20 to 25 million children. In addition to the psychological trauma of losing a parent, orphans are less likely to receive healthcare, education and other needed services, are often threatened by malnutrition, illness and HIV infection, and are easy prey to many forms of exploitation: forced labor, prostitution and child soldiering.

The 2005 G8 Gleneagles Communiqué on Africa states: %u201CWe will also work with them to ensure that all children left orphaned or vulnerable by AIDS or other pandemics are given proper support.%u201D  It is time to take action on this promise.  All members of the G8, in addition to multilateral agencies and other donors and aid agencies, should direct at least 10% of their HIV and AIDS funding to the needs of orphans and vulnerable children.  

Thanks to your leadership and that of advocates, donors, governments and aid organizations around the world, there is reason for hope in the fight against HIV and AIDS. However, more must be done to address the needs of millions of children orphaned and made vulnerable by AIDS.  Few resources are reaching the families and communities that provide the front-line response. We must bring the needs of these children to the forefront of our battle against HIV and AIDS.

In order to address the AIDS orphan and vulnerable children crisis, donor governments must direct at least 10% of their overall HIV and AIDS funding to support the needs of AIDS orphans and vulnerable children.

The United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland have enacted legislation authorizing at least 10% of HIV and AIDS funding to the needs of orphans and vulnerable children. Now is the time to make sure these policy goals are fulfilled with real resources. Please ensure that these commitments are kept and translated to real action and assistance for children affected by the pandemic.  

We must bring the needs of children to the forefront in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

Thank you for your leadership on this issue.

Sincerely,