World Vision's Hope Initiative

While its work to combat HIV is spread throughout its operations, World Vision has also developed three specific project models to address the needs of children and others affected by HIV and AIDS in high-prevalence contexts:

1. Community Care Coalitions: World Vision mobilises community-based care for orphans, children living with HIV, other vulnerable children and their households.
2. Church and faith-based organisations: World Vision helps churches and faith communities to fulfil their mandates and meet the needs of people affected by HIV, responding in positive and powerful ways.
3. Life-skills training: World Vision provides information and strategies that enable children and youths aged five to 24 to make healthy life choices and avoid acquiring HIV, often involving peer groups, school classes, sports and social activities.

World Vision also addresses HIV in contexts with lower HIV prevalence where there is a high risk of the epidemic expanding. Its 'Models of Learning' programme runs 24 exploratory projects in 10 countries around the world. These projects will help World Vision to develop effective models for HIV response in lower prevalence contexts. They focus on:

1. Age-appropriate life-skills training and education about how to avoid HIV infection
2. Child-focused HIV prevention among populations who are at special risk of infection
3. Mobilising churches and faith communities through the Channels of Hope programme
4. Integrated care for people living with HIV, orphans and other vulnerable children
5. Helping people living with HIV to get access to small business opportunities which give them an income and help them stay healthy

The Hope Initiative will help World Vision to fulfil its ambition to see an AIDS-free generation of children and youths who can become a positive force for development in their communities, their nations and the world.