Child vulnerability and HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa: what we know and what can be done

Understanding and responding to the needs of children made vulnerable by the HIV epidemic

By: Gillespie S, Norman A & Finley B
Published by: International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) , 2005
Via: Eldis

This report from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) examines the available evidence on the children in developing countries who have been made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS. As well as analysing the multiple aspects of these childrens’ vulnerability, the report also brings together evidence from successful projects aimed at responding to these children’s needs. Using this, the report highlights some key principles in developing policies directed at helping these children and also highlights some important areas where further research is required.

The report finds that the well-being of children affected by HIV and AIDS is closely tied to the levels of poverty in their family and community. Polices aimed at responding to these children’s needs should start at the local level and work through supporting and strengthening the capacity of the extended family and the community. These polices should take a broad, multisectoral approach, but should also adopt a ‘child’s eye’ view of poverty. This involves recognising that discrimination, along lines of age for instance, may mean that not all polices aimed at helping the family will benefit the child. The report calls for more research to identify children made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS, and to understand the psycho-social, as well as material, aspects of their vulnerability.