On World AIDS Day, Tell Obama - Keep Fighting!

As we enter a new era of change, the war against HIV/AIDS must remain a top priority. It is a global problem, with hundreds of children orphaned every day by what could be a preventable disease.

Organizations like SOS Children's Village work in communities hit hard by the AIDS crisis, providing orphaned children with shelter, loving families and an education. It is crucial that we continue to support organizations like SOS Children's Village.

On Dec. 1st, World AIDS Day, urge President-elect Obama to continue to fund HIV/AIDS programs.

Bob Fertik

Dear Activist,

Do not take for granted that funding the war against HIV/AIDS is a top priority in this time of change. On World AIDS Day, December 1st, 2008, join SOS Children's Villages in telling President-elect Obama to continue to fund HIV/AIDS programs.

SOS Children's Villages, the world's largest NGO dedicated to orphaned and abandoned children, believes that AIDS is a preventable disease. In 132 countries, we provide orphaned children with homes, loving families, education and stability regardless of their personal or family history with HIV/AIDS. SOS is committed to maintaining supportive and healthy environments that reduce the vulnerability of children and their care-givers to HIV infection. We create and sustain programs that enable children orphaned by AIDS to grow up in a caring family, and provide them with equal access to education and essential services.

"Nearly three quarters of my class are orphaned," says Mr. Mashanga, a teacher at an SOS Primary School in Zimbabwe, where almost one in four children are now orphaned by AIDS. SOS Children's Villages provides orphaned children with homes and opportunities to attend school. Mrs. Gombakomba, the Headmaster, comments: "The situation is pathetic. Children have to learn to be adults before their time. If you talk to these children they have stories that will move your heart. What is the world coming to?"

By 2010, the number of children orphaned by AIDS is expected to exceed 25 million globally. Progress cannot continue to be made at this level without the continued support of the US government.

Join SOS Children's Villages. Urge President-elect Obama to keep HIV/AIDS funding a top priority.

Make a difference. Sign our petition today.

Thank you for your support,

Heather Paul
Executive Director
SOS Children's Villages - USA