It’s estimated that there are 14 million children under the age of 15 orphaned by AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa alone. This number is higher than the total of every boy and girl under the age of 18 in Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Ireland combined. The number of children is expected to climb to over 18 million by the year 2010.


The alarming statistics alone speak to the immense crisis the AIDS pandemic has created. Countless children are the indirect victims of the disease, and are left behind to navigate their way into adulthood without the guidance and help of parents. In Ethiopia alone, there are 1.3 million people living with the AIDS virus. The people most affected by the AIDS pandemic are between the ages of 17 and 35, meaning that Ethiopia’s work force - the livelihood of the country – is either gravely ill, or in danger of becoming so. HIV prevalence is higher among women, particularly young women and adolescent girls.

 

 

War Child’s program in Ethiopia makes sustainable and meaningful impact on the lives of child-headed families affected by the AIDS virus. Together with our local partner, War Child is providing education, training and health services to hundreds of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. This support goes far beyond providing the basic needs of food and shelter. Children who head households are provided with education and vocational training, while their younger siblings are given the necessary resources to go to school. During the training, support is provided to the household. This support allows them access to quality health care, psychosocial support, recreational programs and basic necessities. These young people also participate in peer support groups. Within these groups they build leadership skills and self-confidence, and share their knowledge of HIV/AIDS issues with other community members.


War Child’s program in Ethiopia is truly helping children achieve a better future. Outreach programs have educated entire communities to reduce the discrimination against households affected by HIV / AIDS. Children and communities have learned how to make safe decisions to protect themselves and reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. Through regular household visits, social clubs, games and support from older graduates of the program, dignity, hope and safety are being restored to these children.