46664

The focus of this project is to raise awareness of the catastrophic HIV/AIDS pandemic, and to create and fund programs for the prevention, testing, care, and support of those infected and affected in South Africa. 46664 was the former President of South Africa's prison number while he was held in captivity for 18 years on Robben Island in Cape Town. Inspired by the vision and leadership of Mr. Mandela, Project 46664 was set up by Dave Stewart, Bono, and Brian May and Roger Taylor of "Queen" in 2003.The project enlists the aid of recording artists and entertainers to help advocate and educate the public, and raise funds through concerts and sales of concert CDs/DVDs.

It is true there is much to be done. Although the scope of the AIDS epidemic is worldwide, Africa has been hit the hardest. More than 17 million Africans have died from AIDS and another 30 million are infected with the HIV virus. Approximately 1.5 million of those are children. 11 million African children have already lost one or both parents and unless we take serious action now, there will be more than 40 million AIDS orphans by the end of the decade.

With funds provided by Project 46664, the Nelson Mandela Foundation in 2004 began to operate in 14 clinics and in one hospital in Lusikisiki, providing education for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission, voluntary counseling and testing, and anti-retroviral treatment for 500 adults and 100 children.

Huge strides are being made in education, as the Foundation works with nurses and traditional leaders in remote and rural areas, to ensure that everyone, and especially the youth, are taught about the prevention of HIV and the importance of seeking care. This educational process works to erase the stigma of AIDS, which is the key to gaining control of the epidemic.