needs of children affected by HIV and AIDS.

A framework for global response

“This is a huge problem that doesn’t require huge resources, but it requires huge attention,” says Bellamy.

In keeping with this, the United Nations and many partner organisations have endorsed a framework of action to provide guidance to donor nations and governments of affected countries to respond to the urgent needs of children affected by HIV and AIDS. The key strategies are to:

• Strengthen the capacity of families to protect and care for children by prolonging the lives of parents and providing economic, psychosocial and other support.
• Mobilise and support community-based responses to provide both immediate and long-term support to vulnerable households.
• Ensure access of orphans and other vulnerable children to essential services, including education, healthcare and birth registration.
• Ensure that governments protect the most vulnerable children through improved policy and legislation, and by channelling resources to communities.
• Raise awareness at all levels through advocacy and social mobilisation to create a supportive environment for all children affected by HIV and AIDS.