Members of Congress, business leaders and leaders in the women's and children's rights communities gathered on Capitol Hill at a luncheon to launch a landmark report on the impact of HIV/AIDS on children. The report is the first in a series planned by the International AIDS Trust (IAT) on the issues connected with the global AIDS pandemic. Senators Mike DeWine (R-OH) and Hillary Clinton (D-NY) reviewed highlights of this report at the luncheon, which is published by IAT and the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF).

"Preserving Our Future -- HIV/AIDS and the World's Children" focuses on children in the areas hardest hit by the pandemic, sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.

"We've gathered here today to not only launch this report, but, more importantly, to remind the world the voices of children in developing countries impacted by AIDS are not lost," said Joe Cristina, Founder and Board Chair, CAAF. "The mission of the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation is to make a positive difference in the lives of all children infected with HIV or affected by AIDS. CAAF is pleased to demonstrate our commitment to the international pandemic and its effects on children and youth by collaborating on this important report released today."

The Report, the first of its kind, will be distributed to members of Congress, Fortune 500 CEOs as well as leaders of the global AIDS community. Other topics in this series, which will be published by IAT and additional partner organizations, include nutrition, microfinance and leadership and how they are impacted by the pandemic.

"Preserving our Future - HIV/AIDS and the World's Children" provides detailed information on the impact AIDS is having on children around the world and suggests action steps that must be taken to save the lives of millions.

"Many see the global crisis of HIV as a problem that is out of control and unmanageable," said Sandy Thurman, President and CEO, IAT. "The goal of these reports is to break the crisis down into specific issues that people can understand, as well as demonstrate there are solutions."

Call to Action

One of the unique features of the report is that it provides people with actionable steps they can take to make a difference, including

* Building on success: The success of past activists should be the model moving forward in the fight for affordable treatments and developing innovative prevention programs.

* Staying the course: AIDS is not going away; the magnitude of the crisis can not deter us from finding solutions.

* Educating yourself: If you are at risk, get tested.

* Holding leaders accountable: Every day not focused on AIDS, represents another 8,000 lives lost.

* Contributing to international organizations: Every dollar counts, and many organizations are making a difference in the fight against AIDS.

Children and HIV/AIDS

Today, an estimated 40 million people around the world are living with HIV. More than 2.5 million of those people are children under the age of 15. Every day, nearly 2,000 children are newly infected, with a majority of them acquiring the virus from their mothers at birth. The AIDS pandemic also has created an orphan crisis that continues to escalate in the most vulnerable communities around the world. More than 13 million children under the age of 15 have lost one or both parents to AIDS.

About International AIDS Trust

The International AIDS Trust was established to create strategic opportunities for galvanizing leadership, mobilizing resources, and promoting effective interventions in the global battle against AIDS. The International AIDS Trust is a single-focused NGO with both long-range vision and rapid response capability. While the Trust is new, its principals shaped the expanded US Government's response to this pandemic and now seek to bring the same energy and skill to a private sector venture.

About Children Affected by AIDS Foundation

The mission of the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF) is to make a positive difference in the lives of children infected with HIV and affected by AIDS. CAAF accomplishes this by helping meet their diverse, special needs, advocating and educating on their behalf, and bringing joy and fun into their lives.