World AIDS Orphans Day (WAOD)
More than 15 million children worldwide have lost one of both parents to AIDS, equivalent to the number of people living in New York, Paris and Rome combined! It is estimated that there are about one lakh HIV-infected children in India, who has inherited the disease from their infected parents, and the numbers are going up rapidly.
To bring the plight of these hapless children to the notice of one and all, and to mobilise the attention of governments and communities, FXB’s founder Countess Albina du Boisrouvray launched a global movement in the year 2002 to observe 7th May as the World AIDS Orphan’s Day. Kofi Annan, then UN Secretary General, had offered his personal support to this campaign.
Since then, 7th May as the World AIDS Orphan’s Day has gained support across various countries, among prominent leaders and communities. Providing care to AIDS orphans and vulnerable children as a part of their inherent rights has been the key message emphasised by the movement all over the country.
FXB Suraksha observed WAOD 2008 across the country and brought together civil society organisations, youth, policy makers, politicians and a host of educational and government organisations. A number of events across 21 states was organised and was extensively reported in the media. In Delhi, a candle light vigil was organised. Ms. Sheila Dixit, Chief Minister of Delhi, addressed a large gathering which was present to extend support and solidarity to the cause of AIDS orphans.
Honourable President of India Ms. Pratibha Patil, Governors of various states, Mayors, Chief Ministers and other political leaders sent proclamations and Messages in support of World AIDS Orphan’s Day.
Today, a diverse coalition of organisations, government officials and citizens are standing up for AIDS orphans, fighting AIDS and poverty. We need your help to speak out and spread the word about World AIDS Orphan’s Day.
Your voice is their future. Join us today. Click here.
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