"The situation of people living and dying with AIDS in parts of Africa is so desperate that even the most basic help will bring solace and hope. We know how to defeat this pandemic. We have all the knowledge we need. But to do it, there must be a quantum leap in financial resources."
Stephen Lewis, Secretary Genera's Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa.

The AIDS pandemic is ravaging the continent of Africa. The number of those afflicted and the spread of the disease are horrendous. There is no vaccine; there is only limited treatment. More than two million people die each year.

The Stephen Lewis Foundation believes grass roots efforts can help many who currently have no hope.

AIDS has a woman's face. There are 25 million people between the ages of 15 and 49 living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. 58% are women. When women die, they leave their children behind. Over 20 million children will be without one or both parents by the year 2010. There is rarely food enough for one meal a day. There is little money for school fees, books or uniforms. In a great number of cases the orphaned children end up being cared for by the eldest child, usually 12-14 years of age. The children effectively lose the meaning of childhood. Of the 6.2 million people between the ages of 15 and 24 living with HIV/AIDS in Africa, 75% are women and girls.

The purpose of the Stephen Lewis Foundation is:

  1. To provide care at the community level to women who are dying so that their last weeks, days, hours are free from pain, humiliation and indignity;
  2. To assist orphans and other AIDS-affected children in every possible way from the payment of school fees to the provision of food;
  3. To support associations of people living with HIV/AIDS so that those who have openly declared their status can educate themselves and share information with the community on prevention, treatment, care and elimination of stigma.

To make a donation to HIV/AIDS in Africa through the Stephen Lewis Foundation click here