11/30/2007

Contact: Liam T. Dall
202-448-8479
ldall@pedaids.org

or

Maisie Cunningham
202-448-8446
mcunningham@pedaids.org

Washington, D.C.—The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation opened registration for the fifth AIDS Walk Africa today, on the eve of World AIDS Day. This year’s event will be held in Swaziland from June 30 to July 5, 2008.

AIDS Walk Africa is one of the Foundation’s most important fundraising and awareness-building events. Walkers have the opportunity not only to see Africa’s breathtaking beauty, but also to witness the lifesaving, Foundation-funded programs that prevent the transmission of HIV from mothers to their babies and provide treatment for children and families living with HIV/AIDS.

Globally, there are an estimated 33.2 million people living with HIV, 2.5 million of whom are children. In Swaziland, the HIV epidemic continues to grow at an alarming rate. An estimated 39 percent of the population was living with the virus in 2005 — making it the most intense HIV/AIDS epidemic in the world.

On a 35-mile trek over the course of five days, walkers will follow expert guides on visits to Foundation clinics, orphanages, and hospitals. They will meet scientists, medical personnel, and children and families living with AIDS, and learn about the various challenges posed by the disease. Through these visits and interactions, walkers have the opportunity to build their own community with the many individuals they meet along the way, and learn how they have played a role in helping the Foundation reach more children and families.

Each walker raises a minimum of $15,000 to help support the Foundation’s lifesaving research, advocacy, and prevention and treatment programs, and helps raise awareness about pediatric HIV/AIDS.

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation has worked with the Ministry of Health in Swaziland since 2004 to ensure universal access to services for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, and care and treatment services for HIV-positive pregnant women, children, families, and other individuals. The Foundation works toward the goal of eradicating pediatric HIV infection by supporting the Swaziland national PMTCT and care and treatment programs at the national, regional, and site levels.

To join the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation on AIDS Walk Africa 2008, or for more information about this unique event, visit www.pedaids.org/awa2008.

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About the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is a worldwide leader in the fight against pediatric AIDS. Its innovative research programs, collaborative training initiatives, advocacy efforts, and rapidly expanding international prevention and treatment programs are bringing dramatic changes to the lives of children worldwide.