American Foundation for Children with AIDS Increases Aid in Response to Kenyan Crisis

Harrisburg, PA (February 12, 2008) – The American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA), a not-for-profit foundation providing medical supplies and aid to children in countries hardest hit by HIV/AIDS, is increasing its efforts in Kenya in response to the growing need resulting from the current unrest.

AFCA is sending additional supplies to children and adults, including those who are currently staying in camps for displaced people. It is estimated that over 300,000 children and adults have been displaced as a result of their homes being burned. They are forced to sleep in churches, parks and on the streets. Children with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk because they may not have access to their medication.

“We receive daily reports from our partners in Kenya and are deeply concerned about the increased risk facing the children with HIV/AIDS whom we serve,” said AFCA Executive Director Tanya Weaver. AFCA is working with the Archdiocese of Mombasa Community Based Heath Care and AIDS Relief Program, which serves over 500,000 people in seven parishes of Mombasa.

A contribution of $30 provides a full month’s worth of life-saving medication to an HIV positive child. With $5,000, AFCA can provide a 40-foot container of much-needed food, hygiene kits, milk, and other supplies to partner hospitals.

Tax-deductible contributions can be made to AFCA and sent to 6221 Blue Grass Avenue, Harrisburg, PA, 17112, or online at http://www.helpchildrenwithaids.org/donate.htm/.

About American Foundation for Children with AIDS
American Foundation for Children with AIDS is an independent international humanitarian aid organization established in 2004. AFCA is a 501(c)(3) not–for-profit organization incorporated in the state of Florida, USA. It has been certified Best in America by the Independent Charities of America. AFCA’s mission is to improve the lives of children and youth struggling with the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. We provide cost-effective relief, services, medical and social support, education and advocacy to help these individuals achieve their full life potential.

AFCA believes that true success is achieved through collaboration with qualified local professionals. To this end, we partner with the following agencies to deliver quality, donated anti retroviral medications and supplies to HIV positive children and their caretakers: Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda; Archdiocese of Mombasa in Mombasa, Kenya; Voi Children’s Health Program in Voi, Kenya; ZOE in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and St. Mary’s Mission Hospital in Nairobi and Elementita, Kenya. For more information please visit www.helpchildrenwithaids.org.
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5 Ways Children Get Aids

It's terribly disheartening to know that children get AIDS/HIV. Many people wonder, "How do kids get AIDS?" Here are some answers:

1. The most common way children get HIV is through childbirth. A mother infected with the HIV virus can pass the virus to the child easily during the birthing process, because of the blood and mucus. Many people aren't aware that medication given to the mother before birth and to the baby immediately after birth can significantly reduce the risk of infection to the baby. Many mothers simply can't afford the medication.

2. Sometimes unborn children get HIV before birth, while growing in the uterus, where the virus is passed through the mother's blood to the baby.

3. An infant may also catch the virus by breastfeeding. Although normally breast milk is the healthiest option for babies, viruses including HIV can be transmitted by breastfeeding. Many mothers simply can't afford the option of formula feeding, causing HIV positive mothers to pass the virus on to their babies.

4. Although much less common, another way kids get HIV is via blood transfusions. Most blood used for transfusions is carefully screened, but there is always a slight chance a baby might be infected through a transfusion.

5. One of the most devastating ways some children get AIDS is by rape or sexual abuse of someone who is HIV positive. In some parts of Africa, there is an unfortunate belief that having sex with a virgin can cure HIV. Because older children and adolescents are often already sexually active (whether they are willing or not), the victims of rape are becoming younger and younger.

You can learn more at our website http://helpchildrenwithaids.org.