Every child should have the right to a happy, fulfilled childhood, surrounded by love and acceptance. However HIV and AIDS can have a devastating impact on communities, families and children's lives. On top of the personal tragedies, the ignorance and stigma surrounding the disease can leave children and adults alike alone and friendless. Many children are left without parents and have to fend for themselves.

Typical is Sambula, a 16 year old girl in Zimbabwe, who, following the death of her parents, cares alone for her younger brothers and sisters whilst struggling to earn an income and continue her education.

Infected adults, because of the illness, are often unable to work and frequently too ill to leave their homes.  In many societies without a social security safety net, the inability to earn a living leads inevitably to poverty, poor diet and a continuing cycle of illness.

ACET teams in many countries are working in local communities to bring care and support to those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.

Our home based care teams, made up of local, trained volunteers, visit people in their own homes, bringing understanding, counselling and practical help.  Our orphan care programme also offers help with food and school fees to many thousands of children left alone or at risk following the death of their parents.

You can find out more about our care programmes in individual countries by visiting the country pages on this site.