Namakkal District in Tamilnadu, India with a population of 1.5 million is the worst hit of HIV/AIDS both by its prevalence and impact. HIV/AIDS claimed many productive lives here and made children into semi orphan and orphan. In most of the families, HIV/AIDS claimed the lives of the sole bread winner of the families. Hence, the families affected by HIV/AIDS pushed into the brink of poverty. There are problems with the children in the HIV/AIDS infected affected families for educating children and also their health issues.
AIDS orphans, defined as children who have lost their father/mother or both parents to HIV/AIDS before reaching the age of 15, are high in number in Namakkal District, Tamilnadu,India. The extended family system, which would traditionally provide support for orphans, is greatly strained in communities most affected by AIDS. When these HIV/AIDS infected /affected children are cared for by other family members, this places an added financial burden on these care givers. After their parent's death, children can lose their rights to the family land or house. The children often must shoulder responsibility for their care and that of younger siblings.
Without education, work skills or family support, children may end up living on the streets and are engaged in hazardous occupations. These children are especially vulnerable, often becoming sexually active at an early age and at risk from HIV themselves. Poverty is an overwhelming problem among them. These orphans not only lack money, but basics such as clean water, drugs, food, shelter and essential medical supplies. They do not have information about how to protect themselves, and have poor access to doctors, nurses, and other health care facilities. The needs for the children on quality education, parental/guardian support, additional nutritional support and financial support is much higher and at of utmost need. The lives of children who do not have HIV themselves are affected when family members have AIDS. Families face increased poverty and stress because adults have to leave their generous paid employment, or are too sick to farm their land. Women may be ill themselves, as well as caring for other sick family members and looking after young children. Girls in particular often become the care providers for sick relatives and their brothers and sisters. Sometimes children have to leave school to look for work or care for other family members. In addition, denial or neglect of girls' human rights results in gender discrimination, giving young women little access to socio-economic opportunities.
We need support for 1200 children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS to support their health and education.
Please donate generously. By working together, we'll make a difference in the lives of the children we support.