Yingying, 9
Yingying is nine years old, and her entire family is HIV positive – both parents and her younger brother. Both parents were on medications, but had severe reactions, so they had to discontinue their use. Yingying's brother is not yet on HIV medication. The respiratory problems that have developed from the parents' infection prevent them from operating their three Mu (0.5 acre) farm or pursuing employment elsewhere. In 2005, the family existed on less than 800 Yuan (less than $100 U.S.), which did not begin to cover the medical expenses, much less food and school expenses. The family mostly borrows food staples and clothes their children with hand-me-downs from neighbors.