AIDS is of concern to all of us. During the last decade, AIDS has also become a new challenge in the work of SOS Children's Villages in many countries, especially in Africa.
The number of AIDS orphans is growing at a startling rate - AIDS is having a dramatic effect on societies: whole generations are dying and family structures are being destroyed. In response to these developments, SOS Children's Villages is caring for orphans and abandoned children, launching information campaigns on HIV/AIDS prevention through its medical and social centres and providing medical care for people infected with HIV. Several programmes run mainly in co-operation with local NGOs, ministries and UN agencies.
Countries in Southern Africa are of major concern, e.g. Malawi, Botswana, Swaziland, Angola, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, South Africa and others, where SOS Children's Villages combats for prevention, against discrimination and stigmatisation, against the disastrous consequences of the epidemic for children and youngsters and for improving community support and volunteer work.