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Reliable sources estimate that by 2010 there
will be well over 44 million orphans in the sub-Saharan, Asian, Latin
America and Caribbean countries alone.
Within the next year Asia will see its orphan population triple as
the AIDS epidemic commences its onslaught in that region.
Due to the twin pandemics of HIV and AIDS millions of children are
being orphaned at a rate unparalleled in world history. Each day 6,000 men and women are dying of AIDS in sub-saharan
Africa alone. For the
children left behind the tragedy is only just beginning.
The
death of a parent is one of the most traumatic experiences any child can
suffer but when that death is accompanied by stigma and isolation,
followed by instability and insecurity, the potential for social trouble
is greatly magnified. An
immense challenge is facing countries and communities already staggering
under the impact of faltering economies, increasing violence,
homelessness, inadequate medical care, poor education, drug use and a long
list of other social problems. To ignore the needs of these children and communities will
create a social catastrophe.
Yet
are we doing all we can to help? Where is the global political leadership
on the issue, where is a global systematic surveillance, where is the
global recognition that the social fabric of whole societies is being
ripped apart. There has been
an eerie silence surrounding the issue of the impact of AIDs upon children
and the global community. Whatever
the cause, lack of leadership, denial or apathy, one truth remains - these
children deserve the attention and caring support from the global
community.
The
tragedy is just beginning but there is one thing one can be sure
about...this is a global tragedy – not just Africa’s tragedy!
OrphanAID, The Global Fund for Orphans is helping to break the silence.
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