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Babies and young children living with HIV/AIDS have special needs for good nutrition, immunization and regular health care to avoid complications from common childhood illnesses, which can be fatal. If the child is infected, it is likely that the mother, and probably also the father, is infected. Home care visits might be needed.
In countries with high rates of HIV infection, children are not only at risk of being infected, but they are also affected by the impact of HIV/AIDS on their families and communities.
- If children lose parents, teachers and caregivers to HIV/AIDS, they will need help in understanding what is happening and dealing with their loss and grief.
- Orphaned children might have to assume responsibilities as the head of the household and will undoubtedly face great economic difficulties. If orphaned children are cared for by others, then that family's limited resources must stretch to accommodate the additional needs of these children.
- Children living with HIV/AIDS or with families affected by HIV/AIDS may be stigmatized or isolated from their community and denied access to health services and school. Good-quality training on HIV/AIDS for teachers and peer educators can increase understanding and compassion and lessen discrimination.
Efforts should be made to keep HIV/AIDS-affected families together. Efforts should also be made to avoid institutionalizing orphaned children. Orphans are less traumatized if they are cared for by the extended family or the community.
Few young people receive the accurate and appropriate information they need. School-aged children should be provided with age-appropriate information on HIV/AIDS and life skills before they become sexually active. Education at this stage has been shown to delay sexual activity and to teach responsibility.
Children living in institutions, on the streets or in refugee camps are at even greater risk of being infected with HIV than are other children. Support services need to be provided accordingly.
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