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.