Addressing the children –HIV/AIDS interface call for a multi pronged holistic approach that operates simultaneously on micro and macro level. Situation is alarming in Nagaland, Manipur, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
It is clear that much more needs to be done. Many children are dying, while thousands more are experiencing the scars that AIDS can leave on their lives – almost all of which are avoidable.
One area is research. There is a need to monitor the impact of HIV/AIDS on children, estimate the number of orphans, and finally to design child cantered prevention and rehabilitation policy..
Simply acknowledging the existence of these issues, let alone taking bold action on them, is challenging in a cultural environment that is inclined to minimize or ignore its problems, especially those related to traditionally "untouchable" topics like drugs, prostitution and homosexuality.
By now it is clear that in number of ways the spread of the HIV/AIDS is closely connected to processes of globalisation. It is clear that poor people, women, children and a range of marginalised groups are suffering .With G 8 stressing on technological approaches to solve the poverty issue it is unlikely that the HIVAIDS effect on children would be reduce. We are also still waiting for the G8 to enact their long-standing commitment to spend 0.7 per cent of GDP on overseas development assistance each year. We need civil society and grass root voices in developing countries to challenge their governments to tackle HIV/AIDS as merely a health issue. It is a human rights issue.
If we lose this fight, it will have profound impact on the lives of children in times to come.
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