AFRO-NETS> AIDS Orphans

[John Kiwanuka Ssemakula <jssemakula@medilinks.org>]

AIDS Orphans
------------

Dear Colleagues,

One of the most devastating effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic is the 
break-up of families, the creation of millions of orphans and the 
disintegration of social cohesion. By the end of 2000, over 12.1 mil-
lion African children had lost either their mother or both parents to 
AIDS. This figure is set to double over the next two decades. 
(UNAIDS, 2001a)

AIDS Orphans suffer from an absolute lack of access to education, 
health, shelter and nutrition. Many are forced to live on the street 
and get involved in criminal activities and drug use just to survive. 
They are at a serious risk of contracting the HIV/AIDS themselves. 
With the death of their parents, without the support of family, and 
community to offer guidance and education, many of these children are 
growing up at the margins of society without the normal socially ac-
cepted attitudes and behavior. There is a generation loss of cultural 
and social identity, knowledge and education. This has important im-
plications for the re-integration of these children into society or 
even more importantly if they are not re-integrated into society.

To access this excerpt online, go to:
http://www.medilinks.org/Features/Articles/oct2002/aidsorphans2002.asp

Or to download the entire article:
http://www.medilinks.org/Features/publications.asp

?The Impact of the 9/11 Attacks on HIV/AIDS Care in Africa and the 
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria?

Sincerely,

John Kiwaanuka Ssemakula (MD, MPH)
CEO Medilinks
New York
Tel: +1-212-739-7893
Fax: +1-212-739-7923
mailto:jssemakula@medilinks.org
http://medilinks.org

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