SINGAPORE: Leave no HIV-affected child behind. That's the motivation of the World Vision Singapore "One Life Fund" which was launched on Monday. It aims to pay for the education of every child affected or infected by HIV-AIDS, as long as they meet the fund's criteria.

Youths who are HIV-infected are often a neglected and vulnerable group.

"Maria" (not her real name) is one such individual. The 15-year-old HIV-infected Singapore student, said: "My mother and my stepfather, who recently passed away, were affected by HIV. If I go to school, I don't really eat there. If I want to eat, I have to wait until I finish school.

“Most of the time I’ll eat Maggie noodles. I would really love to eat for once, rice, maybe some chicken would be nice, and vegetables. Also, my school fees have not been paid for the whole year.”

"Maria" can now benefit from the World Vision's "One Life Fund" which will help to meet the education needs of HIV-AIDS affected youths aged between two and 25.

James Quek, executive director of World Vision Singapore, said: "AIDS patients do not get subsidies for their medication in Singapore. The cost of medication can come up to about S$1,000 every month.

“The criteria for the 'One Life Fund' are couched in very general and generous terms. Our hope and dream is that every child who is affected or infected by AIDS will be able to avail himself or herself of this bursary."

Three simple criteria govern the fund - the youth is HIV-positive or HIV-negative, with one or both parents testing positive; the household income should not exceed S$3,000; and the applicant must be enrolled in a full-time educational programme.

The “One Life Fund” received a S$50,000 boost from MAC Cosmetics. The fund hopes to raise S$300,000 and provide 300 bursaries within the next three years.

423 new HIV cases surfaced in Singapore last year alone and this figure is expected to rise this year.

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- CNA/vm