It is estimated that 15 million children living today have been orphaned due to AIDS. This means they have lost one or both parents to the epidemic. Twelve million of these orphans live in sub-Saharan Africa. This is 80% of the global total of AIDS orphans. With so many adults in sub-Saharan Africa infected with HIV, the number of orphans will continue to increase over the years. Some estimates suggest that the number of AIDS orphans will double or triple in the coming decade.

This means that there will be fewer and fewer adults available to take care of the children. Children without parents are usually unable to afford education. Extended families try to care for the orphan children, but often do not have the financial means to provide for all of the orphans. How does someone in their 60's or 70's take care of multiple grandchildren if most or all of their own children have died?

When there are no extended family members able to take care of the orphans, few options are available for the children. Some may go to an orphanage if there is room. Others are left to fend for themselves, either on property left by their parents or in the streets. Without support, their chances for receiving an education, health care, clothing and good nutrition are slim. Those on the streets are at risk of abuse, prostitution and pornography–putting them at risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. Many orphanages, charity organizations, and governmental programs are stretched to the limit since funding has not kept up with the ever increasing demand.

Children are also impacted by the loss of a generation of adults from AIDS. Groups such as future teachers, medical personnel, and industrial employees are wiped out by AIDS. Countries will suffer declining growth and increasing instability. Even children who have not lost a parent from AIDS will be affected by the impact AIDS is having on their country.

Visit Stand With Africa: www.standwithafrica.org or the ELCA’s World Hunger Appeal: www.elca.org/hunger to find out how you can offer support to children and families affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.