World AIDS Orphans Day - May 7
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Last Wednesday, AIDS orphans were in the national spotlight as millions tuned in to watch Idol Gives Back. Â We need to ensure they remain in the spotlight, leading up to World AIDS Orphans Day on May 7th.
World AIDS Orphans Day is a grassroots campaign to draw attention and advocate on behalf of the more than 15 million children who have been orphaned by AIDS.
To date, the needs of AIDS orphans have been largely ignored by policy makers.
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.
A few easy ways you can help:
1. Sign the One Campaign Petition: Ask your Senator to join us in supporting AIDS orphans and fighting HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. Sign the petition.
2. Put Your Face on the Map: Check out the flikr photo map. Show your support by adding your picture.
3. Spread the Word: This is about you… and all your friends. Get your classmates friends, family and colleagues to join the movement. Send a message via our website.
On May 7th, thousands of organizations and everyday citizens will speak with one voice in urging government leaders to make children a priority in the fight against AIDS. Join us.
Thanks
-Simon Isaacs, World AIDS Orphans Day
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April 17, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Thank you very much, Simon, for your update on this VERY IMPORTANT Day for those of us in the movement to end extreme poverty - World AIDS Orphans Day.
Quite honestly, the main reason that I do what I do in our movement is for the children of Africa so that fewer of them will have to join the ranks of the over 15 million children who have already been orphaned by AIDS.
This problem has metastasized in just the last few years. I remember speaking in my community regarding the AIDS pandemic in Africa only five years ago when U.N. estimates were 12 million AIDS orphans in Africa by 2010. It’s only 2008 and already there are 15 million children in this unfortunate category!
This situation is completely UNACCEPTABLE. As Bono has mentioned many times, this situation would not be tolerated anywhere else in the world.
It is UP TO ALL OF US to change this situation for the children of Africa ….and the world.~
I will take every action that you mention above, Simon, and encourage all ONE members to do the same.
Take very good care, my friends. Blessings always.
ALWAYS FOREVER, ONE - debbie
April 17, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I forgot to add my signature (smile):
http://www.mpwn-uganda.org
LIVING POSITIVELY, debbie
April 22, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Wow, what an article. A friend and I have just the strongest desire to help, and we would like to help where we can make the most difference….right there. Where? We would like to travel across to where children need love, support, hope, and medicine, and we would like to work alongside ONE to experience what it means to give without anything in return. We want to not only hear about the great things that are happening,…but to participate in that. Why? This is not for self gratification by any means. There are people that need to physically see someone who cares…and we are two inviduals who just…truly care. If there is any way to get involved on a summer trip (2 week, etc) please get back to me. Thank you so much for your time, and thank you for creating an awareness for this need.