ARV for AIDS Orphans
No one can put a price tag on the cost of life, but we can enhance the quality of life for those who suffer. Though Thailand suffers from a particularly high rate of HIV, it is leading the way for successful strategies to prevent new HIV cases. A significant number of cases are found in Northern Thailand. As is the case in many countries, there is a strong cultural stigma associated with the disease. HIV infected parents in an attempt to spare their children from being ostracized often abandon their children. These children have no home, no family, and no one to love them.
Ananda's project is located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai and assists twenty-four AIDS children who have been orphaned and abandoned from birth. These children are from impoverished socio-economic backgrounds. Most have lost their parents to the AIDS virus.
The grant provides for the continous medical treatment of ARV or Antiretroviral therapy medications needed for these children to maintain their health and well-being. The children range in age from six to twelve years. Ananda's collaborator is Support the Children Foundation based in Chiang Mai. To read a brief history of this organization, click here.
Support the Children consists of a dedicated husband and wife team, Dr. Vicharn and Dr. Prakong Vithayasai who have been caring for HIV+ children since 1992. Doctors Prakong and Vicharn have been caring for many of the children since they were infants. Together they have established four shelters in the Northern Provinces of Thailand. At these shelter homes the children are in small groups so that they can form a family. The children have formed bonds as brothers and sisters and look after each other.
This project however, has a greater purpose than simply providing medicines. We all strive for a larger goal; to have compassion and to provide a quality of life for a segment of the population burdened by a significant stigma. These doctors have exemplified the spirit of compassion through their everyday actions. The courage of these young souls can teach the world a lot despite the grim fate that awaits them. Please join us in celebrating their lives . Let's continue to show them our support.
If you are residing in Thailand and would consider fostering an HIV+ child, please contact Dr. Prakong at: Support the Children Foundation.
Grant duration: 1 year. Grant Award: $ 5,000.
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