The American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting children and their guardians in sub-Saharan Africa who are HIV positive or have contracted AIDS and lack access to proper medical care. 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. 

AFCA plays a vital role in combating 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.

History
The organization, initially known as the Global Foundation for Children with AIDS until 2005, obtained its 501(c)(3) status in March 2004. Originally headquartered in Lawrence, KS, it was relocated to Harrisburg, PA, in August 2008. AFCA's initial partners included the Pediatric Infectious Disease Clinic at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda; St. Mary's Mission Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya; and the Mombasa Community-Based Health Care and AIDS Relief Program in Mombasa, Kenya. In 2005, AFCA expanded its partnerships to include St. Joseph's Shelter of Hope Center in Voi, Kenya, and later added St. Mary's Mission Hospital and St. Theresa's Home of Hope in Elementita, Kenya, in 2007. Also in 2007, AFCA began collaborating with a program called Zimbabwe Orphans through Extended Hands (ZOE) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. In 2008, AFCA initiated a partnership with the Church of the Ascension in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and in 2009, expanded further by collaborating with Tandala Hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Kilembe Mines Hospital and Cooley Clinic in Uganda. In 2011, AFCA further expanded its partnerships by including 16 additional clinics in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2012, AFCA added Mpumudde Clinic and Atutur Hospital in Uganda to its list of partners, and in 2014, AFCA established livelihoods programs in Tandala and Gemena, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 2019, AFCA began its work in Mzuzu, Malawi.

AFCA is a member of the Children's Medical Charities of America, and in May 2007, it was awarded the Best in America Seal of Excellence by the Independent Charities of America. This seal is granted to members of the Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities of America who have undergone rigorous independent review and demonstrated on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness. These standards include those required by the US Government for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign, which is considered one of the most exclusive fundraising drives globally. Among the estimated 1,000,000 charities operating in the United States today, it is believed that fewer than 50,000, or 5 percent, meet or exceed these standards, and less than 2,000 have been awarded this prestigious Seal.

Ratings and reviews
AFCA has met all 20 standards set by the Better Business Bureau.

AFCA has been awarded a perfect 4 out of 4 rating by Charity Navigator.

AFCA is recognized as a Top-Rated Charity, achieving a B+ rating from Charity Watch.

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

Mission
The mission of AFCA is 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 also supplies antiretroviral and other medicines to HIV-positive guardians, ensuring their health and preventing children from becoming orphans. AFCA believes in empowering families in their programs to become self-reliant, offering livestock, seeds, tools, water filters, and solar lights to those affected by HIV/AIDS who want to escape poverty. Through husbandry and gardening training, along with regular follow-ups, families can sustain themselves without relying on external assistance. 

AFCA supports training centers for HIV+ mothers, many of whom are widowed. Projects such as sisal production, rice paddies, piggeries, tailoring shops, and hairdressing training facilities enable mothers to earn fair wages while having time to care for their children and themselves. 

Greenhouses and gardens are part of AFCA's efforts to help orphanages achieve self-sufficiency. 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.

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

Funding details
Funding details as of 2021:

References

External links
 
 Informative link

Medical and health foundations in the United States
HIV/AIDS organizations in the United States