Overview

Children have fallen prey to a devastating disease. HIV/AIDS, often associated with adults, has greatly infected and impacted our most vulnerable. According to the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (May 2006 report), an estimated 2.3 million children worldwide are infected with the disease. One in six AIDS-related deaths and one in seven new HIV infections are of those under the age of 15. Additionally, more than 15 million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Of that number, 12 million live in sub-Saharan Africa.

As if the above tragedy were not enough, many children have contracted HIV/AIDS as a result of being raped. South Africa, the epicenter of the AIDS pandemic, has the highest incidence of child and infant rape in the world. One reason for this unusually high occurrence is the myth of the “virgin cure,” also known as “virgin cleansing.” The misconception is that a man can be cured of HIV/AIDS by having sex with a virgin. South Africa has passed a law to make life-saving drugs available to rape victims; however, distribution is hindered by fear, shame, mistrust, and ignorance.

Laughing Child International believes that the Body of Christ is called to a sacrificially compassionate ministry among and for these hurting children.  It is our mission to inspire and instruct churches toward Father's dreams of hope and healing for every wounded child.