HIV BABIES

HIV/AIDS UPDATE

CHILDREN INFECTED & ORPHANED BY AIDS

Neither words nor statistics can adequately capture the human tragedy of children grieving for dying or dead parents, stigmatized by society through association with HIV/AIDS, plunged into economic crisis and insecurity by their parents' death. AIDS has orphaned more children though no fault of their own. By the end of the year 2010, a cumulative total of 7 million Nigeria children would have lost one or both parents to AIDS.

The AIDS pandemic is the world's most deadly undeclared war and Nigeria has a lot to do to avert the catastrophe. As shocking as the statistics are some people are still claiming ignorance.

Orphans run grate risk of being stigmatized by members of the society because of their vulnerability. They are usually denied education, good food, and all social amenities needed for their growth. The extended family system also failed them because of the stigma attached to the parent's death by AIDS. Some of them are also denied health care because they are infected with HIV.

The distress and social isolation experienced by these orphans both before and after the death of parents or parents have followed by total rejection that often surround people affected by HIV/AIDs. These children are often emotionally vulnerable and financially desperate, this usually leads to exploitation and sexual abuse.