Children orphaned by AIDS

May 7th is World AIDS Orphans Day

Each year on this day, youth and adults from around the world come together to raise awareness and increase support for the 15 million children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

Learn how you can help—Download our Toolkit to Raise Awareness for Children Orphaned by AIDS {.pdf, 805k}

World AIDS Orphans Day was first organized in 2002 by Association François-Xavier Bagnoud (FXB) to create a global network to protect children orphaned by and affected by AIDS. In general, WAOD highlights the necessity of providing comprehensive care for these children.

Plan USA and Youth United for Global Action and Awareness (YUGA) have partnered with other like-minded organizations—including NextAid, Global Tribe, African Regional Youth Initiative, and Peer Education Program—to form the May 7 Coalition, pledging their support to help turn WAOD from a March to a Movement.

Together with FXB, the May 7 Coalition seeks to mobilize non-governmental and international organizations, women's organizations, youth and others to listen to and support children orphaned, and affected, by AIDS.

How can you learn more?
Click on any of the following links to learn more about children made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS:

Children orphaned by AIDS: Facts and figures {.pdf, 25k}

Most afflicted regions {.pdf, 97k}
Highlights a number of regions where AIDS is most prevalent

Circle of Hope Methodology {.pdf, 25k}
The Circle of Hope is a child-focused, community-focused and integrated model of fighting AIDS that addresses the HIV/AIDS destigmatization-prevention-care-mitigation continuum.

Personal stories {.pdf, 312k}
Narratives from children who have been orphaned by AIDS

Take action—This means YOU (TH)! {.pdf, 120k}
Educational and awareness raising activities

Hands of Hope {.pdf, 26k}
The Hands of Hope campaign is a youth-led initiative engaging North Americans in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Join Plan Canada’s Youth Advisory Council and YUGA in their efforts to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Films {.pdf, 136k}
A guide to staging a film showing and a listing of educational films about HIV/AIDS recommended by Plan USA.

Fundraising ideas

Forms {.pdf, 254k}
Event analysis sheet
Volunteer agreement form
YUGA application

Resources {.pdf, 39k}
A list of web resources for more information about children orphaned by AIDS and organizations working to combat this epidemic.

Appendix
Sample letter to government officials {.pdf, 26k}
May 7th Coalition Proclamation {.pdf, 28k}

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