Africa
From the Atlantic shores to the Indian coastline dwells the continent of Africa, whose imprint on the world spreads the eons. This beautiful continent is home to many of the world’s most exotic animals and breathtaking sights—as if God dipped His hands in color and finger-painted the earth.
But perhaps the most beautiful side of Africa—amidst the vast array—is its people. Yes, the precious people who inhabit this land are rich with spirit and life. Thriving there, however, has proven to be a momentous challenge for many of its countries. Widespread poverty, civil wars, corrupt governments, guerilla warfare and disease has brought this land to its knees.
Machine guns and famines are deadly forces, but they pale in comparison to the biggest killer—HIV/AIDS. Take a look at some of these staggering statistics:
- Almost two thirds (63%) of all people living with HIV globally live in sub-Saharan Africa—an estimated 24.7 million in 2006.
- Some 2.8 million adults and children became infected with HIV in 2006, more than in all other regions of the world combined.
- Studies show that there will be approximately 18 million AIDS orphans in Africa by 2010.
This is why we must step in and take action!
JIA is currently working in two African countries to fight poverty and disease.
