AIDS epidemic multiplies ranks of African orphans
The AIDS epidemic already has created 11 million orphans, 95 percent of them in Africa, as it fells adults in their middle years, when they are most likely to be parents. The number of orphans is projected to rise to 13 million by the end of next year, according to the U.N. AIDS agency.

Elderly are left to raise orphans
KALAGARA, Uganda - In the language of southwestern Uganda, this settlement's name evokes the fertility that makes the green leaves of banana trees grow broad, which is good because they must spread to cover many graves.

10/17/99

Africa breaks silence about AIDS and sex
The teenagers seek answers that could keep them from dying like their older brothers, aunts, fathers, even teachers, and make theirs the generation that beats back the AIDS epidemic that is engulfing Africa.

Uganda reversing deadly AIDS spiral
KAMPALA, Uganda - When Stella Ocitti Ayo's friend was hit by a car and killed, this was truly shocking. Ugandans in their 30s don't die while crossing the street. They die from AIDS.

10/12/99

Facing death alone
HARARE, Zimbabwe - Being HIV-positive in Africa isn't about support groups and hotlines.

Workers struggle to save newborns from HIV
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - For the staff at the Ethembeni orphanage, there is nothing to do but love and wait: Only after the babies in their care reach 18 months can an HIV test determine which will live and which will die.

10/10/99

Caregivers struggle with own despair
LOBATSE, Botswana - In the United States, AIDS doctors are facing something they call the Lazarus syndrome: the complex emotions of HIV-positive patients suddenly learning that potent new drug regimens will let them live much longer than they expected. In Africa, health-care workers find themselves wishing their AIDS patients would die, finally die.

AIDS vaccine hunt fraught with anxiety
GENEVA, Switzerland - Wide awake, sitting at his U.N. desk, Dr. Jose Esparza has a nightmare: A vaccine effective against AIDS is finally discovered, only it doesn't work on the type of virus ravaging Africans.

See no evil
RAMATLABAMA, Botswana - David Ngele, a man thick and strong, is waiting to die.