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AIDS is possibly the greatest catastrophe facing the African continent. This is the stark message delivered by this latest issue of the UNICEF Progress report. It is estimated 860,000 children in sub-Saharan Africa have lost their teachers to AIDS in 1999, yet education is the cornerstone in preventing the spread of the disease. These and other statistics are set out in this annual report, detailing the progress of improving the quality of life for children and young people throughout the world. Some positive developments can be noted, such as the near-eradication of Polio, but much is still needed to be done.