AEGiS-14IAC: The study of pediatric hiv/aids in orphans in Mumbai-India. Their health, growth, development and socio-psychological problems. Presented as an Ethical and Human rights perspective of orphans infected and affected by hiv/aids.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

The study of pediatric hiv/aids in orphans in Mumbai-India. Their health, growth, development and socio-psychological problems. Presented as an Ethical and Human rights perspective of orphans infected and affected by hiv/aids.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. G12527)

Kohli IK
Touro University International Ca USA, Mumbai, India

ISSUES: Pediatric HIV/AIDS Fact Sheet: In 2000, 600,000 children were newly infected with HIV. In 2000, 500,000 (1,400 per day) children have died of AIDS. In the future many of these children will be in Mumbai-India, which is slated to be the epicenter of the next AIDS epidemic. Descriptions: The basic needs of children who have been orphaned by AIDS are the same as needs of all children. Orphans infected and affected with HIV/AIDS, become dependent on the wider community to care for them. Another unique aspect of HIV/AIDS is the secrecy, stigma, and isolation that accompany it. Based on this a qualitative study has been conducted in three centers in the city of Mumbai to study the special needs of these children. The St. Catherine's Home is an Orphanage having a special facility to care for about 26 children who are HIV positive. The Committed Communities Development Trust (CCDT) has launched project CHILD for children of parents affected by HIV/AIDS at the Ashray Centre. The third center is the Urban Community Development Centre.

ISSUES: Information has been collected of what has worked and what has not in terms of care and support for affected children in diverse cultural settings. Need to recognize the right of children's voices to be heard, considered and given due weight in determining their care and support needs.

RECOMMENDATIONS: The Preamble to the 'United Nations Convention to the Rights of the Child' specifically addresses the inherent dignity and of the equal and unalienable rights of the child as a member of the human family. Because of the inextricable link of healthcare services and access to appropriate medical care to fulfill the United Nation's mandate on the right of children to healthcare, it is of prime importance to list the Orphans affected and infected with HIV/AIDS initiative as a human rights initiative.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Foster Home Care, HIV Infections, Human Rights, AIDS Dementia Complex, HIV Seropositivity, Human Development, Growth, Orphanages, Child Welfare, Disease Outbreaks, Child of Impaired Parents, Community Health Services, Family, India, Child, Human

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