AEGiS-11IAC: Feelings and experiences of single HIV-positive women about their children.

11th International AIDS Conference

Vancouver, British Columbia — July 7-12, 1996

Feelings and experiences of single HIV-positive women about their children.

Int Conf AIDS 1996 Jul 7-12; 11:484 (abstract no. Pub.D.1296)
Anyango OM, Momanyi KJ, Muriuki J; Kenya AIDS Society, Nairobi, Kenya. Fax: 254-02-447967.

ISSUE: Concerns and worries of HIV-positive women about their children when they have no avenue or source of help.

PROJECT: During the mid term evaluation and strategic planning on the women and AIDS project in Kenya AIDS Society, we interviewed 10 single mothers about their worries, fears and feelings about the present and future of their children.

RESULTS: The ten women had these to say: (i) They had not informed their children on their Sero-Positive status (ii) The children take care of them when they are sick (iii) Their children are discriminated against by neighbours and relatives (iv) They have educated their children on HIV/AIDS. (v) Their children are bullied and molested bt other children (vi) Their children will be mistreated after they die (vii) Taught their children about cohesiveness in the family. (viii) None had written a will (ix) Their children are exposed to AIDS.

LESSONS LEARNED: Single mothers who are HIV-positive know and understand the problems that face their children as a direct result of HIV/AIDS but have little or no avenues to solve these problems.

Keywords: AEGIS, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Single Parent, Mothers, Family, Child Rearing, Child Care, Interviews, Child Custody, Kenya, Child, Human, Female, ICA11

960707
PubD1296