"
Unite for children, unite against AIDS" is a project of UNICEF that I choose to support with the Queen of the Crop Contest. If I win the first prize $500 will be donated to this cause.
World leaders, from both industrialized and developing countries, have repeatedly made commitments to step up their efforts to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS. They are beginning to increase the political leadership and the resources needed to fight the disease. Significant progress is being made in charting the past and future course of the pandemic, in providing free antiretroviral treatment to those who need it, and in expanding the coverage of prevention services.But children are still missing out.
Every day:
- There are nearly 1,800 new HIV infections in children under 15, mostly from mother-to-child transmission
- 1,400 children under 15 die of AIDS-related illness
- More than 6,000 young people aged 15–24 are newly infected with HIV
After more than 20 years
- Less than 10 per cent of pregnant women are being offered services to prevent transmission of HIV to their infants
- Less than 10 per cent of the children who have been orphaned or made vulnerable by AIDS receive public support or services
- Less than one third of young women aged 15–24 in sub-Saharan Africa fully understand how to avoid the disease.
Millions of children, adolescents and young people in the path of the pandemic are at risk and in need of protection. AIDS is redefining the very meaning of childhood for millions, depriving children of many of their human rights – of the care, love and affection of their parents; of their teachers and other role models; of education and options for the future; of protection against exploitation and abuse.
The world must act now, urgently and decisively, to ensure that the next generation of children is AIDS-free.
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Even if you choose to not vote for me (of course I'll appreciate if you do...) but you are thinking to make a donation for a charity, consider this an an option. Donate
HERE
