Children and AIDS
AIDS
has orphaned more than 12 million children worldwide. Over 1.1million in
South Africa alone.
It is expected that by 2010 that 18million children in sub Sahara Africa will have lost at least one parent to AIDS
The number of children affected by AIDS is much greater.
Many who are still living with infected parents have become the main care givers and bread winners, replacing lost income. Approximately one third of children born to HIV positive mothers in Africa will be infected with HIV.
The
lack of adequate nutrition, healthcare, and psycho-social interaction permanently
damages the ability of children to think, learn, and develop effectively.
Studies show that quality early childhood learning and care leads to higher levels of physical, cognitive and emotional well-being and better rates of lifetime learning and earning opportunities. Neglect of young children therefore has long-term, significant undesirable impacts on a society.