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Orphans in Swaziland

HOPE International Development Agency is providing programs of HIV/AIDS prevention education and care for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

In one of Africa’s smallest countries lies a very big problem. Swaziland, with a population of 1.1 million, has the world’s highest HIV prevalence rate; a staggering 39.4% of all Swazis are infected. Tragically, many Swazis have already succumbed to the disease, and over 70,000 children have been orphaned in recent years. Almost without exception, these orphans are in desperate need of assistance following the death of one or both parents.

HOPE International Development Agency has partnered with the people of Malkerns Valley to ensure that these children are both healthy and safe.

HOPE is working with dedicated volunteers who are committed to providing basic care for these children who would otherwise go without. With HOPE’s assistance, these community members are building shelters where food, education and guidance are being offered to these children.

At these Neighborhood Care Points (NCPs), children orphaned to HIV/AIDS in Swaziland have the opportunity to a better future. Several buildings have been completed and several more are currently under construction. At each shelter, approximately 65 children will enjoy a healthy diet, a quality education and much needed support from caring individuals in the community.

A donation of $110 will give one child the opportunity to enjoy a brighter future.

Poverty increases a persons vulnerability to HIV infection.

HIV/AIDS depletes families and their communities of the social assets and structures needed for successful prevention and caring for persons living with HIV/AIDS.

By the year 2010 it is predicted that as many as 40 million children in developing countries will have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS.

More than 90 percent of all people infected with HIV since the beginning of the epidemic are in the developing world.

In sub-Saharan Africa more than 7.4 percent of the population between the ages of 15 and 49 is estimated to be infected with HIV.

Two-thirds of the world's HIV infections have occurred in sub-Saharan Africa.