It's a matter of an entire generation 

The fight against AIDS and for AIDS orphans is about the survival and the future of a whole generation. Children, who grow up in communities that have been affected by HIV/AIDS, lack basic essentials such as food, education opportunities, attention and care. Often, they hardly have any influence over decisions that are central to their lives such as whether or not they go to school. They are commonly exposed to discrimination, exploitation and stigmatisation. Ms Gombakomba teaches AIDS orphans in a Hermann Gmeiner school in Zimbabwe. She is extremely worried about the children's future: "It's a dreadful situation. Children are being forced to take on the roles of adults at a very early age. They have shocking backgrounds that make your heart weep. Where will it end? In a world full of little adults?"

One of the greatest challenges facing humanity

The fight against AIDS and the social poverty, which results from it and which causes AIDS to spread even further, is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. SOS Children's Villages wants children across the world to grow up in a family where they are loved, respected and sheltered. The main challenge in the organisation's everyday work is to give a new home in an SOS Children's Village to orphans, to ensure that families that have been affected by AIDS enjoy their rights and prevent them from breaking up.

In its work with families, SOS Children's Villages stands up in particular for children and mothers, who have lost both their parents and are consequently responsible for their siblings. Women are at a disadvantage in terms of HIV/AIDS, as in so many other aspects of life. The rate of infection in women is significantly higher than that for men and in many regions sexual education is anything but adequate. At all SOS facilities and as part of SOS programmes, those who have been affected are given comprehensive information and explanations on the causes and risks of AIDS. Families who have been affected by the disease can also obtain additional HIV/AIDS advice, free tests and antiretroviral therapy at SOS medical centres.

"... create safety networks for children and families..."

In Africa, staff from SOS Children's Villages and other organisations support around 40,000 concerned children and families at around 60 social and medical centres and help them to regain a sense of hope for the future. Much of the programme is carried out south of the Sahara, where most AIDS orphans live.

"Our concept involves making every effort to secure the lives of children and families with HIV/AIDS. We want to work with the respective village communities to create safety networks for children and families, which also receive considerable support from and are managed by the people in the communities themselves", said President Kutin, emphasising the significance of working with other partners when managing such complex problems.

"People with HIV need help respect and tolerance..."

All too often, people across the world close their eyes to the causes and effects of AIDS, which paves the way for isolation, stigmatisation and taboos. "Sexual education should be comprehensive and open. It should teach people about the dangers of HIV/AIDS, as well as communicating to them that people with HIV need us to be tolerant and they need our help and respect", said Secretary General Richard Pichler, underlining the need.

Africa is without a doubt the continent that has been worst hit by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. South of the Sahara alone, there are 26 million people with AIDS. All the same, we cannot ignore the worrying increase in the rate of infection in Central and Eastern Europe, parts of Asia and Latin America. Our attention and support is needed at all levels.

SOS Children's Villages' contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDS must however be part of a communal effort on the part of different counties, governments, communities and organisations. Only when social issues, such as the status and self-determination of women or the right to an education and sexual education, are resolved in a long term and sustainable manner will there be hope for today's generation of AIDS orphans.