Orphans and vulnerable children they key to fighting HIV/AIDS

Mississauga, Ont., July 13, 2004 - World Vision staff working on the frontlines see programs to care and counsel orphans and vulnerable as key to survival of the next generation in the world's poorest regions.

Vulnerable children impacted by HIV/AIDS and those groups who work with them have been ignored in the rush to devote resources to prevention and treatment, World Vision's HIV/AIDS Hope Initiative team contends.

"The plight of African children doesn't fit within the political messaging of many of the activist groups who are the loudest when HIV is on the agenda. Drug companies can't make money from orphans and donor governments are bowing to pressure from these powerful constituents and focusing their resources on prevention and treatment," said Ken Casey, World Vision HIV/AIDS specialist.

World Vision believes it's right to invest in prevention, treatment and care for the sick. Often the lives saved or prolonged are those of parents - thereby delaying or preventing orphaning. Yet the world is starving the next generation of the resources it needs now to be able to take on its role in years to come. There must be a balance between these worthy aims; not the promotion one or two while ignoring the other.

 "Every year governments fail to commit funding and resources to the vulnerable children. This shortfall will balloon and it will be another year we have failed the millions of children across the world impacted by AIDS," Casey said.

It is essential to tackle the needs of orphans and children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS by:

• Prolonging the lives of parents and caregivers by improving access to care and treatment;  
• Strengthening family and community care rather than resorting to institutional care;   Ensuring access to education, shelter, good nutrition, health and social services; and
• Providing counselling and psychosocial support.