American Foundation For Children With Aids

Sub-Saharan Africa has been significantly impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, with over two-thirds of new HIV infections worldwide occurring in this region as of 2008.

American Foundation for Children with AIDS

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Founded	2004
Founder	Fr Harold C. Bradley, SJ and Robert P. Maynard
Type	Operating public charity (IRS exemption status): 501(c)(3)
Focus	Humanitarianism
Location	Harrisburg, PA
Area served	Africa
Method	Sustainable Food Solutions, prevention, Education
Key people	Executive Director – Tanya A. Weaver, Chairman of the Board – Stephanie Watkins
Revenue (2021)	$1,623,927
Expenses (2021)	$1,549,767
Employees	2
Volunteers	200+
Website	www.AFCAids.org

AFCA combats HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa by providing essential antiretroviral medicine and other necessary medications, medical equipment, and supplies. They also offer sustainable food solutions for families and institutions caring for orphans, as well as emergency supplies for institutions in targeted areas. In addition, AFCA offers crucial support for HIV/AIDS prevention through personnel training. Currently, AFCA collaborates with twenty-eight partners in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

AFCA aims to provide comprehensive services to children and caregivers affected by HIV, focusing on efficiency, self-reliance, and sustainability. Since 2005, in collaboration with in-country partners, AFCA has served tens of thousands of families in underserved communities in Africa. Their impact areas include medical support, livelihoods, educational support, and emergency relief.

AFCA takes a family-oriented approach to HIV care. They not only provide care for HIV-infected children aged 0 to 19, but also offer antiretroviral medication to pregnant women to prevent transmission of HIV to their unborn children. This preventive care is crucial in reducing new HIV infections, as emphasized by UNAIDS.

AFCA supports orphanages to achieve self-sufficiency with greenhouses and community gardens. Older adolescents and young people are taught how to plant, harvest, and sell vegetables and fruits, providing income for the workers and the children's homes. The surplus produce also benefits the community.

AFCA has initiated a program to build long drop latrines for families affected by AIDS. By involving the families in the process and using eco bricks, this project ensures safe and hygienic toilet facilities, particularly benefiting the safety and health of women and girls.

To support hospitals and clinics in the countries where AFCA works, the organization maintains a warehouse in Lebanon, PA. Medical supplies and equipment are stored, packaged, and delivered directly to healthcare facilities, helping them enhance their capacity to provide quality care to patients, including the children served by AFCA.

AFCA offers a program called Vacation with a Purpose, inviting people from diverse backgrounds to visit their programs in Africa and participate in various activities, such as building houses for AIDS orphans, painting clinics, engaging with children, working alongside medical personnel, assisting with administrative tasks, gardening, and more. These experiences take place in Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.

Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up is AFCA's primary fundraising initiative. It involves outdoor events designed for individuals of all ages and abilities, including Climb Up: Kilimanjaro, Climb Up: Nigeria, Climb Up: Nepal, Climb Up: New Zealand, and Climb Up: Peru, all of which support AFCA's work.

AFCA is a participant in the Platinum-level GuideStar Exchange, showcasing its dedication to transparency.

As of 2021, the American Foundation for Children with AIDS had net assets of $516,866 at the end of the year.

Funding details