The impact of HIV and AIDS is huge. Many of the consequences have yet to be felt. In particular, the long-term impact on children is often ignored as the more immediate needs of adults are met. This issue of Footsteps looks at a number of different ways in which children are affected by HIV and AIDS, and brings together many ideas on how to help meet their needs.
It has been a very difficult issue to put together in terms of understanding the huge and growing impact. I hope it will not only challenge but also encourage readers to work together and take practical action in whatever ways may be appropriate for your community. Our involvement in work on HIV and AIDS is no longer optional. The concerns and impact are too great. We all need to work together to face this challenge. That may mean changing our attitudes and prejudices; it may mean sharing information and education; it may require advocacy work to challenge existing policies; for some, it may mean taking practical action in supporting, caring or opening our homes to those affected or infected by HIV and AIDS.
Though governments and international agencies are taking action to address HIV and AIDS, most of the challenges that HIV and AIDS bring still need to be met by caring individuals. As Christians, we all have a role to play in ensuring that the next generation is allowed to grow up supported, loved and understood. We need to make sure that all children, no matter how seriously they have been affected by HIV and AIDS, are allowed to have dreams and a hope for the future.
Isabel Carter