MICHAEL STICH

Much has been said and written about HIV and AIDS over the last twenty years. In all of this, however, one group of needy individuals is rarely mentioned: the children.

HIV-infected children, children with AIDS and children with infected family members are met in our society by a wall of rejection. Exactly how many children are affected is unclear, as many families keep the illness secret – for fear of being socially ostracised.

Although children affected by HIV are innocent victims and frequently have to bear great misery, our society shows them hardly any sympathy. People are too afraid of infection and unsure how to deal with the disease.

I know from my own experience that HIV-infected / affected children have been excluded from nurseries and schools on specious grounds. People do not allow them to take part in music or ballet lessons and leave them off invitations to birthday parties. Over and over again it is maintained that HIV-infected children are a danger to others.

I want to help to dispel these unfounded fears so that children and families affected by HIV are brought out of their isolation and do not have to keep their illness a secret.

Dealing openly with HIV and AIDS means above all knowing how you can and cannot get infected by the virus. Everyone who knows this, no longer has any reason to be afraid. And people who are not afraid no longer exclude others. Meanwhile AIDS and HIV continue to spread all over the world at an almost inconceivable pace.

We have finally got to learn that the issue of HIV does not just concern ‘other people’ - the homosexuals, the prostitutes, the drug addicts, people on the fringe of society, etc., etc.! HIV and AIDS concerns us all. We need to talk about it at home with our children, our friends, our neighbours and our colleagues.

Each and every one of us can be affected these days directly or indirectly by HIV and AIDS. Anyone can get infected or may know someone who is. And: every one of us can help to make the lives of HIV-infected people, both parents and children, a little easier. Through donations – but also through education, open minds, understanding and compassion.

Please join us and help with your donation and interest to bring a smile to the faces of families and their children infected or affected by HIV.
Many thanks!
Yours,