In a nation facing increasing numbers of AIDS victims, how do you deal with over a million orphans?
Children whose parents are living with HIV often experience many negative changes in their lives. They most often suffer emotional neglect long before they are orphaned. Eventually they suffer the death of their parent(s) and the emotional trauma that results. The loss of a parent to AIDS can have serious consequences for a child’s access to basic necessities such as shelter, food, clothing, health and education. With little or no support, these children often face exploitation and abuse.
Children who have lost their parents to AIDS are often stigmatized by society since they are assumed to be HIV positive themselves. The distress and social isolation experienced by these children, both before and after the death of their parent(s), is strongly exacerbated by the shame, fear, and rejection that often surrounds people affected by HIV and AIDS. Because of this stigma, children may be denied access to schooling and health care.
The physical needs of orphans, such as nutrition and health care, can often appear to be the most urgent. But the emotional needs of children who have lost a parent should not be forgotten. Having a parent become sick and die is clearly a major trauma for any child, and may affect them for the rest of their life.
By supporting organizations in South Africa that are aiming to make a positive difference in the lives of these orphans, these children can be more than victims. We believe they could become a massive force in the (re)building of the nation if our vision for them becomes reality.
Many children already function as heads of households and as caregivers. They are a vital part of the solution and should be supported in planning and carrying out efforts to lessen the impact of AIDS in their families and communities.
Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of UNICEF, Carol Bellamy stated that:
“The silence that surrounds children affected by HIV/AIDS and the inaction that results is morally reprehensible and unacceptable. If this situation is not addressed, and not addressed now with increased urgency, millions of children will continue to die, and tens of millions more will be further marginalized, stigmatized, malnourished, uneducated, and psychologically damaged.”
