Global Action for Children

     

November 30, 2009: On the eve of World AIDS Day, Global Action for Children’s Executive Director Kathleen Guy released the following statement in honor of children affected by the global crisis:

"On a recent visit to Kenya, the GAC policy team was fortunate to meet a six-year-old girl named Mary. Like most AIDS-related stories, Mary’s story is sad but there’s also a new hope that wasn’t possible for many kids a decade ago.

"Orphaned after her parents died of AIDS, Mary is now living with HIV at her grandmother’s home along with her younger brother, Ezron. She receives ART treatment from programs funded by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to boost her immune system. Her grandmother also receives support such as seeds to grow fresh vegetables and school uniforms so Mary and her brother can attend school. These simple investments are making it possible for the family to stay together and are giving Mary and her little brother a chance for a future.

"Mary’s story is proof of the progress we’ve made in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. It’s also an inspiration for the continued success we can achieve for children by fully funding PEPFAR in the years to come. We still have goals to meet for children like Mary and Ezron who are just two of the 132 million children worldwide who have lost one or both of their parents.

"On this World AIDS Day, we call on the Obama Administration and the U.S. Congress to fully fund our commitment to tackling HIV/AIDS so every child affected by the crisis has the chance to grow up safe and healthy."

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Global Action for Children generates awareness, policies and funding so every child has the chance to grow up safe and healthy. We work with policymakers, journalists and people who care to ensure orphans and vulnerable children have the support they need to go to school, get their vaccinations and be protected and loved. GAC was formed in 2003 and is based in Washington, DC. Start little. Grow big.^TM