The most visible figure in the fight against HIV/AIDS in South Africa stands nearly 2 meters tall, wears a furry yellow suit, speaks seven languages and is loved by millions of children.

“Kami teaches me to take my medicines,” shouted a 6-year-old at the Mapetla Day Care Center, attached to the Soweto Hospice, outside Johannesburg.

“Kami teaches me to eat my vegetables,” another shouted.

“Kami says go to the doctor when I’m sick,” screamed a third.

There is hardly a family in South Africa that has not been affected by AIDS. “We are beginning to see change,” she said. “There is more openness and disclosure about HIV/AIDS. There is a slowing rate of infection. Kami is making a difference.” Said the Doctor in charge of the local hospital.

The United States plans to stay involved in funding HIV/AIDS work with a budget of $38 billion worldwide for the next five years.

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