likely carried on to the children that they bear. Through no fault of their own, these children have received an incurable disease and a likely death sentence.
Why are orphanages needed in Kenya?
With an adult infection rate of 15 percent, Kenya has one of the highest HIV/AIDS populations on the African continent. Since over 10 percent of all women in Kenya carry the HIV/AIDS virus, it is most likely carried on to the children that they bear. Through no fault of their own, these children have received an incurable disease and a likely death sentence.
Kenya is not a large country, as it is only twice the size of Arizona in the US. Yet there are currently over 650,000 living children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Kenya alone. 
Without significant intervention, an estimated 15 percent of children under age 15 are expected to be orphaned by 2015, and 30 percent will have lost their mothers, fathers, or both parents. A significant reduction in the number of orphaned children can be achieved by using ARV (antiretroviral) drug
treatments to all HIV positive children, most often which is too expensive to afford. While the numbers seem staggering, there is hope: REHEMA HOME.
With proper care and lots of love, between 90-95 % of the HIV positive babies become negative when 18 months old or younger, when receiving proper care and medication.
In the past, orphaned children in Africa were "taken in" by the extended family (aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc). In recent years, however, this has changed. The reasons?
While there are many children's homes in Kenya, very few of them are able to care for the vast numbers of HIV positive babies and children that need care.
HIV children need three things:
Good nutrition, lots of love, and aggressive medical care. Simple infections are treated very aggressively, because HIV positive children can decrease in health exceptionally quickly.
For children with HIV, there are no ordinary childhood diseases. But if treated, children with HIV can have an extraordinary childhood.
All the babies on this page are those who have been rescued and are now being loved and cared for in the Rehema Home for Children in Bukura, Kenya.
As soon as space is available, Ian and Lynne White will go to the hospital to rescue more babies. And each time, they have found
these precious little ones in the kind of condition that is rare in more "Westernized" nations. Because of the great shortage of hospital staff to care for the babies, they become listless and very stiff in the joints. They need so much love and attention to bring about the response that we as parents usually expect to see in our babies. It takes time for the little orphaned ones to learn to smile, respond to Ian, Lynne and their staff, and even to 
move their little arms and legs. But over time, with lots of love and good nutrition, they will learn to walk, like little Isaac, seen here on the right with Ian.
Most often, the babies reach the Rehema Home with pneumonia or malaria and need extra special care until they recover. Then they can carry on with the treatment necessary to help them get past the dreadful HIV positive issues.
********************************************
You can make a difference in the lives of these children.
Our US and Canadian dollars go a long way in Kenya. We invite you to share in monthly support of these children. Total cost is about $90.00 per month but we encourage you to share $30.00 each month through regular giving. See the donation page to make a one-time donation, or follow the links for monthly giving.
Stella Paterson | Box 22003 BDPO | Brandon, MB R7A 6Y9 | Canada