Assistance for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act of 2005
Floor Speech
ASSISTANCE FOR ORPHANS AND OTHER VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES ACT OF 2005 -- (House of Representatives - October 18, 2005)
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Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this important legislation to address the needs of children orphaned and vulnerable as a result of the AIDS pandemic. The gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) and her staff, as well as the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), and the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) are to be commended for their commitment to setting forth a policy that creates a framework to meet the needs of AIDS orphans. This bill deserves the full support of this House.
At this moment millions of boys and girls, children, across the continent of Africa are struggling to survive, struggling to find food and shelter and to care for siblings. They too often live in fear of sexual exploitation or are forced to use sex in exchange for food, safety, and survival. By 2010 an estimated 25 million children across Africa alone will be orphaned as a result of AIDS. Millions more will be caring for sick parents as well as for brothers and sisters.
Mr. Speaker, today's Seattle Post-Intelligencer details how the small southern African nation of Malawi is facing an AIDS disaster which is now fueling a famine. In this nation of nearly 12 million people, nearly 1 million more people are infected with HIV, many too sick to farm their fields. Five million Malawians are at risk of starvation. In Malawi there are also 700,000 AIDS orphans struggling to survive a famine, and this does not include the vulnerable children.
When a country is starving, who feeds the children? Who feeds, cares for, educates, and protects the children, the AIDS orphans? Mr. Speaker, AIDS is killing an entire nation, and the children left behind must be protected and cared for and educated and, most importantly, valued.
This bill is an important first step. U.S. leadership is needed for these children who deserve our help.
Mr. Speaker, for the RECORD I submit the Seattle Post-Intelligencer article.
[From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Oct. 18, 2005] "Malawi Village Underscores Impact of AIDS"
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