Segment 1

VOICEOVER

An estimated 15 million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS. This boy, who we'll call Kouadio, is one of them. His mother died six months ago, and his father abandoned the family when Kouadio was just an infant. As if his life weren't difficult enough, he also carries the virus that causes AIDS. He now lives with his mother's two sisters in Côte d'Ivoire. They say they couldn't raise him without the help of the local health center. People of all ages receive services including medical treatment, counseling, HIV testing, and different ways to help support orphans and vulnerable children.

N'ZUE VERONIQUE DJE [social worker]

The center can have an especially big impact on the lives of children. For example, with Kouadio, he's already feeling much better since he first visited the center. He receives medication, but partners are providing nutritional support. So his situation absolutely improved since he arrived in the center.

VOICEOVER

Kouadio is here to receive a UNICEF school kit. He's about to start his first year in school. His kit includes a small chalkboard, chalk, pens, pencils, notebooks, crayons, a ruler, and scissors. The center also provides him antiretroviral drugs, which inhibit the replication of HIV, as well as money to pay for school fees. UNICEF's approach to helping children like Kouadio is holistic. Assistance covers education, health, and child protection, as well as food from the World Food Programme. Kouadio is already dreaming about his future.

KOUADIO

When I grow up I want to be a doctor so I can make myself better.

VOICEOVER

Children like Kouadio face a difficult battle, and if it's to be won, it must be fought on multiple fronts. In Côte d'Ivoire, this is Thomas Nybo reporting for UNICEF Television. Unite for children.