Children and the Future of Africa - Noerine Kaleeba

Today we know that African children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS are the ultimate developmental nightmare for a continent grappling with major socio-economic problems. According to UNAIDS, every day around the world, 2,000 infants contract HIV through their mothers—95% of these infants are Africans. Every day, 6,000 children lose one or both parents to AIDS—more than 90% of these children are Africans. Every day, 1600 children die of AIDS—90% of these children are Africans. Today, a child in Southern Africa has a 50% chance of dying from AIDS. Today in Africa, 95% of pregnant mothers do not have access to health programs that can significantly reduce the incidence of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The worst is yet to come. According to UNAIDS, UNICEF, and USAID, by 2010 at least 20 million AIDS orphans will live in Africa.

Until then, large numbers of children orphaned by AIDS will become young adults. Whether these children are socialized, educated, clothed, or fed, they will assume their role in the society. Twenty million uneducated, street-hardened, weather-beaten, and ultimately bitter African children will present formidable challenges to our continent and the world.

February 2008