Y.E.S. Uganda can’t but highlight the situation at present.

The magnitude of the African AIDS epidemic is staggering – over 29 million people are HIV positive in Sub Saharan Africa alone. This crisis affects every aspect of life and society in these countries.

People with AIDS suffer together with their families. 12 million African children have already lost one or both parents because of this horrible disease, and if we remain negligent in stopping the spread of the disease, there will be more than 18 million AIDS orphans soon. Millions of children have already lost not only their parents, but their teachers, nurses and friends too. As a result there is devastation, poverty, debts and unfair trade policies.

Here are some AIDS realities and facts:

• Sub-Saharan Africa is home to more than 60% of all people living with HIV. Southern Africa remains the epicenter of the global AIDS epidemic;


• Every day in Africa, 6,600 people die and another 8,500 contract the HIV virus - 1,400 of whom are newborn babies infected during childbirth or by their mothers' milk;


• More than 12 million children in Africa became AIDS orphans; this total will reach 18 million by 2010;


• Women account for 57 percent of all adults in Sub-Saharan Africa infected with HIV or AIDS;


• HIV/AIDS – Ugandan adult prevalence rate: 4.1% (2003 est.)


• HIV/AIDS – Ugandans living with HIV/AIDS: 530,000 (2001 est.)


• HIV/AIDS – Ugandan deaths: 78,000 (2003 est.)

Read the story of Andrew who is part of Y.E.S. childcare program.