- By 2010, more than 25 million children will have
lost one or both parents to AIDS
- Needs to address:
- Whether orphans should know their serostatus
- Increased risk of sexual exploitation
- Stable family structure, educational opportunities
- Mental health supports, such as memory books
- Reproductive health and HIV prevention
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The safety, health and survival of all children in many countries,
especially in Africa, are increasingly jeopardized due to the
effects of AIDS on families and communities. Increasing numbers
of children are living in households with sick or dying parents
or in households that have taken in orphans. The impact of AIDS
on children is complex. Children suffer psychosocial distress
and increasing material hardship due to AIDS. They may be required
to care for ill or dying parents. Many are forced to drop out
of school to work at home or to make up for the economic loss
suffered when a parent is too ill to work. They experience declining
access to food and medical care. They are at risk of exclusion,
abuse, discrimination, and stigma.
There are other issues to consider regarding OVC as well. For
example, if a parent is sick or has died from AIDS, should their
children be tested for HIV as well? In order to best address
the care and support needs of children as they relate to knowledge
of one's serostatus, the following critical areas must be considered:
- Motivation for testing
- Obtaining consent
- Disclosure between parent and child
- Counseling for OVC and parents
Orphans and other vulnerable children are at an increased risk
for sexual exploitation because of economic and social factors.
Some may engage in sex work out of economic necessity. Others
are at risk of sexual abuse. Particular attention should be
given to OVC to ensure that their reproductive health needs
are met and that they are protected.
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