Millions of children are growing up without parents. Millions more are in households with family members sick or dying from AIDS; children in sub-Saharan African have been hardest hit. Children on the Brink 2004 presents the latest statistics on historical, current and projected numbers of children under 18 who have been orphaned by AIDS and other causes. This edition of the biannial report underscores the changing needs of this vulnerable group as they progress through adolescence and calls for the urgent development and expansion of family and community support.