The current situation
Between 2001 and 2003, the number of children orphaned due to AIDS increased from 11.5 million to 15 million. While nearly 80 percent of these orphans live in sub-Saharan Africa, the situation is worsening rapidly in Asia and Eastern Europe. Apart from the psychological trauma of losing parents, poverty and social dislocation add to a child's emotional distress. Without the protective environment of their home, orphaned children face increased risk of violence, exploitation and loss of economic security. Studies have shown that orphaned children are more likely to be malnourished and underweight. Worst-case scenarios for orphaned children include possible abduction, or being forced into hard labour, sex work or life on the streets, thus increasing a child's vulnerability to HIV and AIDS.
Other children are also made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS. Factors contributing to this include living with an ill parent, living in a poor household who have taken in orphans, discrimination because of a family member's HIV status or the child's own HIV status. There are currently 3 million children globally living with AIDS. The HIV and AIDS epidemic is also exacerbating the already precarious situation of older people and is placing new and difficult burdens on them, depleting their already scarce resources.
Other children are also made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS. Factors contributing to this include living with an ill parent, living in a poor household who have taken in orphans, discrimination because of a family member's HIV status or the child's own HIV status. There are currently 3 million children globally living with AIDS. The HIV and AIDS epidemic is also exacerbating the already precarious situation of older people and is placing new and difficult burdens on them, depleting their already scarce resources.
