HIV and AIDS crisis

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Media contacts Geraldine Ryerson-Cruz 202.615.2608 (c) Rachel Wolff 253.394.2214 (c)

Latest press releases 11/10/2009 Simple, effective tactic in global AIDS fight also one of most neglected 8/11/2009 Aid agencies seek to strengthen HIV networks for children in Asia-Pacific World AIDS Day is December 1

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A proven and cost-effective strategy for turning the tide on global AIDS still remains significantly underutilized, World Vision warned in advance of World AIDS Day. Efforts to prevent mother-to-baby transmission of HIV must be urgently scaled up in high-prevalence countries to avoid needless infection of children, the Christian humanitarian organization said. Read more... Resources for journalists World Vision's response How your audience can help AIDS Attitudes Survey 2010 global AIDS conference The impact of global AIDS on children World Vision's advocacy for AIDS-affected children The World Vision "Experience: AIDS" tour Interview an expert

Some 15 million children worldwide have lost one or both parents as a result of AIDS.

AIDS threatens the quality of life, economic progress and social structure of entire communities and countries. And it threatens to reverse decades of development work.

World vision’s response

World Vision has been combating global AIDS for nearly two decades. The organization started its first AIDS programs among orphaned children in Uganda, HIV-infected children in Romania and young women caught in the sex trade in Thailand.

Today, World Vision has AIDS programs in more than 60 nations. World Vision is working to reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS through innovative and compassionate care, prevention efforts and effective advocacy so that gains in agricultural development, education, health care and other areas are not lost by the ravages of AIDS.

Care

Meeting basic needs—In communities hard-hit by HIV and AIDS, we help provide things such as clean water, nutritious food, health care, education, plus vocational training for older children and adults. Last year, more than one half million orphaned and vulnerable children and chronically ill adults received care and assistance through World Vision’s efforts.

Encouraging testing—HIV testing and counseling can help people learn to live with the disease and protect themselves and their children.

Home-based care—In partnership with local churches and community leaders, World Vision staff and volunteers personally visit vulnerable children and people living with HIV and AIDS.

Prevention

Prevention education—World Vision provides age-appropriate HIV education to children and teens, often through church youth groups that use drama and song to educate their peers about HIV and AIDS prevention. Last year, 770,000 children — many of them in sub-Saharan Africa — received age-appropriate HIV-prevention training.

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission—We teach mothers and fathers how to avoid transmitting HIV to unborn or nursing children and support them in accessing antiretroviral drugs.

Work with high-risk groups—World Vision programs reach sex workers, truck drivers and migrant workers to educate, provide counseling and care, and offer alternative income generating opportunities.

Advocacy

Influence policy—As a voice for children and families, we advocate for public policies that promote effective methods of HIV and AIDS prevention and care.

Mobilizing youth—World Vision ACT:S is a network of students committed to exploring what our faith says about poverty and injustice; using creative activism to bring issues to life and change hearts on campus; and using our voices to advocate our government leaders to help end poverty, injustice, and human suffering.

Raise awareness—We seek to increase support for orphans and vulnerable children, families and adults affected by HIV and AIDS as well as share our expertise to benefit as many people as possible.