Aids and Children in Africa

Written by: Jessica

When I first stepped out of the plane onto the red soil of Dhakar, Senegal, I gawked at the colorful clothing, bright tropical flowers, and bright white teeth that greeted me. Returning home from my trip to Africa, was one of the most difficult reverse culture shock experiences I’ve had. The barrage of news articles, books and documentaries and movies that depict the genocide in Rwanda, conflict in Darfur, famine in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya, children orphaned due to AIDS, and political unrest in Congo have gradually numbed our senses to the atrocities in Africa.

Recently, I have wondered, ‘How Can I effectively help anyone in Africa from here in the US? Why is Africa, an entire continent, that seems to be in need never seem to receive the help needed or grow as other nations? And What is our duty as individuals and as a group to help? “ I will begin to look at these questions in this article and continue the conversation on the CIM blog and newsletters. The first question I looked at was AIDS in Africa. Other blogs recently written are: Water and Sanitation in Africa and A Streelight: A Sign of Progress in Liberia.

Assistance for those with HIV/AIDS is one of the greatest needs in Africa focused on by Christian and non-government organizations alike. Forty million people worldwide have HIV/AIDS, and about 26 million or over 60% of AIDS cases are found in Africa. Although the percentage of children infected is not high, only about 2 million worldwide, the affects of HIV/AIDS on childrens’ lives in Africa is catastrophic. Click here for a basic overview of AIDS in Africa .

The UN estimates that by 2010, 106 million children will be orphans because of HIV/AIDS worldwide and about half of those will be in Sub-Saharan Africa. This is an urgent crisis–children are losing loved ones, primary caregivers, teachers, basic medical care-givers, and are fending for themselves. Often, children as young as 13 or 14 are caring for entire families. Organizations like the UN , World Vision, UNICEF , the World Health Organization are major players in strategically aiming to bring aid to HIV/AIDS in Africa and for the children. One of the biggest difficulties in solving this problem is the lack of education and the lack of resources for medical care.

Why do we not see the same catastrophic problems with HIV/AIDS in the West or any other country? Perhaps because anti-retroviral medication (ARV), which slows the process of HIV/AIDS is available in medical centers around the world. Those who take these medicines can live very normal, healthy lives. Unfortunately, the cost of these medications is too high and not readily available for most of Africa. Wikipedia reports that nations such as Brazil, China, South Africa and India can create these ARVs for a fraction of the cost ($100/year). The UN proposed a Millenium Project to reduce poverty, hunger and disease in developing countries by 2015 – including universal healthcare for children in Africa —which I would assume would try to get the lowest costing ARV’s for people. Beyond these large organizations, Christian communities and organizations also play a huge role in aiding orphans and communities with stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS. The WHO had an article that applauded the work of Faith Based Organizations, (FBO’s) which sometimes can be more effective because they have access on a local level through churches and community centers. Collaboration between FBO and these other agencies would have the greatest impact on children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. This is a long-term project that will require the joining of governments, National Organizations and FBOs, and, of course, God’s help.

FBOs that I know of that seek to help with AIDS in Africa are Covenent Mercies , an orphan sponsorship program, and World Vision and Project 0 which distribute resources into Africa for the AIDS crisis. I’m sure many other churches and FBOs are working there as well.

While the statistics on HIV/AIDS in Africa are staggering, beyond any situation I have heard of in the US—I do believe that God is still at work. In a sense, it can be easy to think, ‘Thank God I’m not in that situation, Thank God I don’t live in Africa” – but we must remember that, the God of the US / West is still the same God over Africa—leading the hearts of leaders and organizations in the way he pleases. It does not make sense to me that millions are suffering, without parents, struggling with HIV/AIDS. But, I know that God is good and he cares for the orphans and widows. James 1:27 says “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit widows and orphans in their affliction. . .” Should we even get involved with HIV/AIDS? I say yes, it is God’s heart to care for the orphan, the widow and seek justice and care for those in need. Because we are God’s body, the church, I believe we should be involved as he leads—God is merciful, and at work—but he also uses us here on earth to do his bidding.

Pray for these millions of children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS, who are in need of a home, a loving family, education and medicine. And pray God would be glorified and mighty in their midst.