May 7th is World AIDS Orphans Day, a grassroots campaign to draw attention and advocate on behalf of the more than 15 million children who have been orphaned by AIDS.
Currently, Fewer than 1 in 10 AIDS orphans receives any external support. Millions of children are growing up deprived of education, basic needs such as food, water and shelter; and are at high risk of HIV infection, discrimination, exploitation and violence in the form of forced labor, prostitution and drug trafficking. Learn more.
The campaign is calling upon all G8 members and other donor countries to commit at least 10% of HIV and AIDS funding to address the needs of orphans (a policy which has been adopted in the US, UK and Ireland).
We are at a critical juncture in AIDS funding as the Senate debates the reauthorization of PEPFAR. If passed and fully funded, the bill will generate the necessary resources to care for more than 5 million children orphans and made vulnerable by AIDS. We need you to speak up.
Via the website, there are a number of ways you can raise your voice and act-up. Please visit www.worldaidsorphans.org.