Human rights activist Graca Machel says Africa faces potential human and economic devastation as a result of the impact of HIV/Aids on children.

She was speaking at the launch of a campaign to end pediatric Aids in six African countries in Sandton, northern Johannesburg on Thursday.

Machel said the first phase of the project would see antiretroviral drugs being given to HIV positive mothers to prevent their babies from getting infected.

The next will ensure children born with the virus receive the necessary medication to remain healthy.

Machel said governments must get involved.

“We are talking of human lives, we are not talking politics. I’ve been a politician, I know. I want to say that it won’t be easy.”