HIV/AIDS orphans 15 million children
A global estimate revealed fifteen million children have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS, and less than ten percent of these children are currently receiving public support and services.
This was disclosed by Dr. Nick Alipui, Philippines Representative to the UNICEF in a speech during the December 1-15, 2006 World AIDS celebration.
Alipui said that it is during this period (December 1-15) that provides opportunity to highlight the seriousness of the HIV/AIDS and call for attention for action to address the concerns on HIV/AIDS.
"A child under 15 dies and AIDS-related illness every minute of every day, and a young person aged 15-24 contracts HIV every 15 seconds," Alipui said.
AIDS has been a focus of international concern for more than two decades, the Philippines' representative to the UNICEF said.
Alipui noted that a study revealed that the number of children affected were not even accounted until recently;Children are missing their childhood watching their parents and loved ones suffer and die;Children are missing the chance to start life free of HIV because less than 10 percent of all pregnant women are being offered prevention of mother to child services to protect them from transmitting the virus to their children; Adolescents and women are missing HIV testing. Only 12 percent of people who want to get tested for HIV are currently able to do so. Going through HIV counseling and testing provide opportunity for HIV positive to receive referrals for treatment, support and care while giving the opportunity for HIV negative to understand more about HIV and to reinforce safe behaviours to avoid infections;Children affected by HIV/AIDS are missing out on measures to keep them healthy, such as anti-retroviral treatment and the antibiotic prophylaxis; and Children are missing education. In the worst-affected countries, HIV/AIDS is disrupting the demand for education, the supply for teachers, the resources available for schools and the quality of teaching.
"2006 is a year of looking back to learn from the past and looking forward to see how to scale up our effort to respond to HIV/AIDS," Alipui said as he urged everyone to make all necessary resources available in order to overcome the threats of AIDS.
(T.Villavert/PIA)