Children affected by HIV and AIDS and their parents/carers know best how to improve their lives. Many have organised themselves into networks that, with the right support, can advise us all on the best approaches, and create change in their own communities.

For example, in many countries children and youth have organised themselves into networks that raise local awareness of HIV and to tackle the stigma that surrounds it, while mothers, fathers and grandparents have created community-based organisations to give emotional and practical support to parents/carers and children affected by AIDS and to champion their rights in decisions around treatment, care, laws, policies and funds that affect them. Very often these groups are at the forefront of cutting-edge solutions.

Governments, donors and NGOs need to give children affected by AIDS and their parents/carers the space and resources so that their voices are more prominent in decision-making, financial planning and service development including at the global level.

 

AIDS can destroy a family if you let it, but luckily for my sister and me, Mom taught us to keep going. Don't give up, be proud of who you are, and never feel sorry for yourself.”
— Ryan White, one of the first children with hemophilia to be diagnosed with AIDS

 

Read about the Coalition Ambassadors initiative.

 

Key Reading:

We're in charge of our lives and we don't need to be reduced to dependants on hand-outs and reliefs. I can work for the sustainability of my life.
— Asunta Wagura, AIDS activist

 

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