Summary
With the number of HIV-infection of young people
in their reproductive age in South and Southeast Asia on the rise, there
is the prospect of an even larger increase of the number of children,
which will be affected by or left behind by this devastating pandemic.
The toll taken by the disease, begins during the
period of illness, continues through death and bereavement and will likely
persist into adulthood if adequate support and protection are lacking.
Estimations have stated that since the beginning
of the epidemic 11.2 million children have lost one or both parents to
AIDS. In 2010, there will be more than 40 million orphans around the world:
a large number of undereducated, impoverished and less than healthy
children in underdeveloped social structures.
In Asia there does not seem to be any provisions
to support children affected by HIV/AIDS, children who are themselves
HIV-negative; they do not have the virus. There is no knowledge available
about their number, their living arrangements and conditions. There is no
assessment available of their needs, that of their caretakers, the local
officials and service personal.
