Response for all AIDS affected children, not AIDS orphans alone
Morgan, S.
Aids Analysis Africa 10(6): 3
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 1016-8974 PMID: 12295851 Document Number: 250024
This article focuses on the response for all AIDS affected children in South Africa. In a study by the National HIV/AIDS Care and Support Task Team in South Africa and the Save the Children Fund by the UK, a variety of categories were identified when defining Children Living with AIDS/HIV. Among the most threatened groups identified were those children from infected households where children carry the burden of caring for their dying parents. In response, the government must incorporate planning for the future of children who will be orphaned as well as provide support for those children who act as caregivers while their parents are still alive. Another group are those from uninfected households who are affected by reduced access to core services and decline in economic capacity. Moreover, the escalating phenomenon is worsened by the prevailing sexual abuse cases in the country. The situation is further aggravated by the lack of policy framework that acts as a barrier to an effective and coordinated action. This article advocates the mainstreaming of HIV/AIDS and children's issues into all key program and development areas across all sectors. Likewise, moving the children from the peripheries of the planning process and acknowledging their pivotal role, practitioners will immeasurably strengthen the capacity of South Africa in its fight against AIDS.