Support children with HIV to realise their full potential 

Jun 16, 2018

All children are innocent and should be nurtured to be healthy and responsible citizens that will contribute to the development of Uganda and Africa at large.

CHILDREN CAN EQUALLY CONTIBUTE TO DEVELOPMENT

 

By Dorothy Nassolo 

As Uganda commemorates the day of the African child, efforts to end AIDS by 2030 must be enhanced with unique approaches targeting children. HIV is still a threat to the lives of children despite the current interventions.

The theme for this year is; "Leave no Child behind for Africa's Development." The Day of the African Child is celebrated on June 16 every year since 1991, when it was first initiated by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). On this day governments, NGOs, international organisations and other stakeholders specifically discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the full realization of the rights of children in Africa.

All children are innocent and should be nurtured to be healthy and responsible citizens that will contribute to the development of Uganda and Africa at large. Unfortunately, many times, children living with HIV are discriminated; denied opportunities and their rights violated because of their status but this must stop!

Approximately 1.2 million people aged 15 to 64 living with HIV, while 96,000 children are estimated to be HIV positive (UPHIA Report 2017). Although progress has been registered through government interventions such as elimination of Mother to Child Transmission (eMTCT) and provision of HIV treatment to children, a lot more must be done if Uganda is to realise an AIDS free generation.

Currently, only 63% of children living with HIV are on treatment yet, many of these are lost in the treatment cascade either before or after enrolling into care. Retention of children on HIV treatment is still a challenge, and follow-up measures need to be improved.

The gloomy situation of HIV among children is catalysed by: Long distances to health facilities that deter HIV positive pregnant mothers to access antenatal services thus exposing their unborn babies to the virus, sporadic stock outs of testing kits, ARVs and essential medicines such Septrine.

Other challenge facing children include inadequate counseling especially in public health facilities, poverty and lack of food in some parts of the country thus affecting adherence to treatment, Stigma and Discrimination of children living with HIV in homes, community and schools, low male involvement and inadequate information on HIV among others.

With support from Aidsfonds, the National Forum of People Living with HIV & AIDS Networks in Uganda (NAFOPHANU) in a consortium with Community Health Alliance Uganda (CHAU), Health Need Uganda (HNU) and Appropriate Revival Initiatives for Strategic Empowerment (ARISE) are implementing a project called "Towards an AIDS Free Generation in Uganda" (TAFU II) in five districts of Mubende, Mityana, Kyenjojo, Ntungamo and Soroti.

Interventions are aimed at reducing the number of new HIV infections among children & increase the number of children living with HIV enrolled & retained on treatment. Significant progress is being realised in the project districts following the use of innovative approaches ´which include; training community health resource persons to identify, refer and ensure retention of HIV positive pregnant mothers and children in care, supporting women / care takers of children living with HIV to form or join Village Saving and Loans Associations (VSLA) to enable them take good care of the children, addressing socio-cultural barriers faced in utilizing HIV services as well as  enhancing health facility based information sharing sessions on pediatric HIV.

The fact that cannot be disputed is that "Without children, the world has no future." We all have the responsibility therefore to support children realise their full potential. Special care should be accorded to children living with HIV in terms of; love and care, access to treatment, adherence and psychosocial support, good nutrition, quality education as well as ensuring that they are living in an enabling environment free from stigma and discrimination. 

Together for a Positive Difference!

The writer is the Communications Officer at the National Forum of PLHA Networks in Uganda (NAFOPHANU)

 

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