|
|
 As HIV/AIDS continues to devastate Africa and to threaten the same devastation in Asia, global health leaders met in Bangkok, Thailand to discuss how better to fight the war against the spread of the virus. Some 17,000 delegates are attending the biannual International AIDS Conference this week.
The theme for this year’s conference is “Access for All,” emphasizing the need for all significant players in the fight against AIDS – including those infected with the disease and those working toward vaccines, treatments and a cure – to have access to sufficient resources. Such resources include antiretroviral drugs, funding for education and resources to continue vital research programs.
In addition, children who have been orphaned by AIDS or who are made vulnerable by the disease’s impact on their communities need additional resources to continue their lives and educations.
“These children are the hidden victims of an already often-ignored disease,” said Martha Newsome, World Vision’s director for orphans and vulnerable children in Africa. “Their plight is rarely addressed, yet these children hold the hope for change in Africa.”
Some 30 delegates from World Vision are also attending the conference, leading workshops and presenting speeches about issues facing the children, families and communities World Vision serves.
|  |
|
