5% OF CHILDREN HIV POSITIVE?

I just heard from Getachew some of the results of our testing of the more than 340 children in their family-based care project. One of the wonderful outcomes of opening the clinic and hiring a nurse is that all the children can have access to free medical check-ups complete with an HIV test. The staff had been wanting to do this for awhile, and now it is relatively simple since the clinic is on-campus and the kids already trust the staff. So far, of 177 kids tested, 9 have been HIV+. It is good information to know for the staff, so they can watch these children for signs of disease progression and know when to refer them for ARV meds. It is difficult information for us to know, here in the states, since childhood HIV infections are relatively rare in developed countries. Had these moms been tested during their pregnancy, had access to ARV meds, or had an attended birth, they might have avoided this transmission to their children altogether. In addition, some of these older kids have contracted the virus by caring for their own mothers or fathers in their final days, and the cultural practice of all family members sleeping together in one bed, open sores and all. Education about the virus, how it is transmitted, and reducing the stigma of getting tested are all key components to winning this uphill battle. I'm so thankful for Operation Rescue, their willingness to love these kids regardless of their "status" and their willingness to slowly make a difference by reducing the stigma and being Christ's hands and feet in a hurting world. I am also thankful for the donors who are working to make it possible for those kids who are unable to stay with extended family, either because they are sent away due to HIV status or because all their caregivers have passed. Our new HIV care home is established and has room for 10 kids. When we need another one, I trust that the money will be there to open it as well. God is so good. He knows what these little ones need before we ever realize it ourselves. Thank you Lord for allowing us to be part of your ministry to these kids.