HIV and AIDS Initiative
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Africa is the world's second largest continent. Its 1.2 billion people belong to more than 3,000 different ethnic groups and speak more than 2,000 languages. After many years of colonial rule, most African countries achieved independence by the end of the 1970s, but today, many countries in Africa face major problems.

Hunger in Africa is devastating hundreds of millions of people, and nearly one-third (16) of Africa's 54 countries are counted among the world's poorest countries. From armed conflicts to drought and famine to epidemics of AIDS, cholera, Ebola, COVID-19 and other diseases, poverty in Africa is hampering the economic progress of its people and destroying their future.

Compassion's Africa child development centers, started in 1980, now serve more than 317,400 children in eight countries and are helping release children from poverty through programs encouraging the healthy development of all aspects of a child — spiritually, physically, socially, emotionally, and even economically.

Featured Stories from Africa

2 children ride a bicycle
Burkina Faso Sponsorship
How Sponsorship Changed … My Family!
When 9-year-old Awa’s sponsors sent extra support in the form of family gifts, they helped a local church transform life for a family struggling with sickness, grief and poverty.
Henry holding a copy of his book, "5 Things Every Young Person Should Know."
Uganda Prayer Sponsorship
Fostering Nations: How Love Multiplies Exponentially
Through years of devoted prayer, support and encouragement, Henry’s sponsor helped enact immeasurable change in a community.
Doreen talks with young girls
Uganda Alumni
This Amazing Woman Rescues Girls From Sex Abuse
As a child, Doreen lived in poverty and was sponsored in Compassion’s program. Wanting to serve God and give back to her community, she now runs an organization in Uganda that saves girls from sex trafficking and abuse.
Collins
Uganda Global Food Crisis
He Grew Up Hungry. Now He Fights Hunger With Science.
A graduate of Compassion’s program in Uganda, Collins is on a mission to ensure everyone has enough to eat.
2 young girls
Ethiopia Global Food Crisis
How Kindness Filled Empty Stomachs and Classrooms
Hunger leaves many students without energy to focus, so no lunch means no school for many children. Learn how Compassion staff, supporters and local mothers in Ethiopia showed Christ-like kindness to bring children back to the classroom.

Sponsor a Child in Africa