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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.
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