Children hit by AIDS
Manushi 1997(103): 30-31
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0257-7305 PMID: 12348899 Document Number: 279942
This article discusses the context of children with HIV/AIDS. Over 23 million people are estimated to be living with HIV (1997), of whom 1 million may be children. In HIV epidemic countries, prevalence can be 40% among women in urban prenatal clinics. HIV progresses to AIDS quickly among children. 350,000 of 1.5 million who died of AIDS in 1996 were children. HIV among children does not appear to be slowing. By 2010, in regions most affected by AIDS, infant mortality could increase by as much as 75% and child mortality by 100%. Sick children, with or without AIDS, are at greater risk of death in developing countries. Common, inexpensive drugs are unavailable. Children with HIV suffer from wasting and delayed development and die from common childhood illnesses. Health workers without access to HIV testing cannot distinguish HIV-positive children from other sick children. There are wide-reaching consequences. A depressed immune system, poor nutrition, and complications of pregnancy enhance the risk of transmission to an infant. Gender discrimination and neglect of human rights creates a more difficult context for HIV/AIDS among females. Treatment of HIV-positive pregnant women with AZT can reduce the vertical transmission rate by 68%. The mother-to-child transmission rate is about 25.5% without AZT and 8.3% with AZT. Developing countries cannot afford the high cost of AZT. The emphasis needs to be shifted away from relief to long-term approaches. Families and communities need income generation and security. Improvement in economic conditions for families will reduce children's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS.