One tragic effect of AIDS is the growing number

of orphans and vulnerable children. More than

15 million under the age of 17 have lost one or

both parents to the disease. Survivors face the

loss of family income, the burden of caring for

younger siblings, and withdrawal from school

in order to provide for family members. The

Daughters of Charity, the Community of Sant'

Egidio, and Catholic relief services reach out to

the children left in its wake.

Systemic change is so important for this project

because AIDS causes the loss of leaders and professionals in the next generation. Teachers, doctors,

nurses, and many others who could have helped

transform life in poor African countries will not be

there. As millions of adults and children die, it is

highly probable that the poorest countries will remain

the poorest because they lack the human resources

to create a new future.