http://marafikiaidsorphans.com/

This is the website for Marafiki Global Aids Ministry. You can see how to donate to an orphan or just learn more about the program on this website.

http://www.graceusa.org/

This is the website for G.R.A.C.E. You can donate to a child in need or you can click around the website to find out more information about the program and it's goals.

In order to curb the AIDS epidemic, some major issues must be addressed.

-Education is very important, especially for children orphaned by AIDS. With education, there would be more knowledge about how AIDS is transmitted and ways to prevent it.

-Access to condoms and education about condoms is also very important in order to curb the epidemic. If all people had access to condoms, there would be less transmission of the disease.

-Expansion of services for mother to child transmission is also key in curbing the epidemic. The more clinics there are, the more likely it will be for women to prevent the transmission to their babies.

-Available treatments is another key element in curbing the epidemic. Not all people in all places have available treatment. If all people had access to treatment, the epidemic would not be as severe and more people could be helped.

-Ultimately, it would be ideal if there was a cure or vaccine for AIDS, but while there is not, treatment is essential in helping those already with AIDS.

-Abstinence is clearly one last issue that would help in limiting the number of infected individuals and curbing the epidemic as a whole.

Improvements?

“In Kenya since 2001, condom distribution has been radically scaled up; 10 million were distributed in 2004 and 144 million in 2006”

“In 2006 Kenya’s President announced that antiretroviral drugs would be provided for free in public hospitals and health centers and by 2008 the number of people receiving antiretroviral therapy had almost doubled to 243,000”

“There are now more than 1,000 antenatal clinics offering PMTCT services. In 2008 an estimated 65 percent of pregnant women were tested for HIV and 56 percent of pregnant women living with HIV received antiretrovirals for preventing transmission of HIV to their babies”

“In August 2009 the Kenyan government introduced combination therapy to replace single-dosed nevirapine to prevent mother-to-child transmission. The government also emphasized the importance of male involvement in PMTCT programs”

“Extensive research shows that stigma prevents governments and communities from effectively responding to the orphan problem, as well as hindering the emotional recovery of affected children themselves. Stigma and discrimination also intensify violations of these children’s rights—in particular, their access to education, social services, and community and familial support”

“Many experience depression, anger, guilt, and fear for their futures. This experience can lead to psychological problems such as post-traumatic stress syndrome, alcohol and drug abuse, aggression, and even suicide”

In Kenya, an estimated 1.5-2 million people are living with HIV; around 1.2 million children have been orphaned by AIDS; and in 2006 85,000 people died from AIDS related illnesses

“Two-thirds of all people infected with HIV live in Sub-Saharan Africa, although this region contains little more than 10% of the world’s population”

“In Sub-Saharan Africa 12 million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS”

When asked what motivated him to do his work, Rev. John Nganga replied, “God was calling me to help children that were less fortunate. I was inspired to be an instrument of change.”