Written by: Elizabeth Styffe RN MN Global Director Saddleback Church HIV & Orphan Care Initiatives Children Are Affected When Mom is Positive
A new report has been released highlighting the effects of
HIV on children whose mother is living with HIV. Sadly, the report by the PEPFAR Orphans and
Vulnerable Children Technical Working group, in partnership with Management
Sciences for Health and the Human Sciences Research Council confirms that
children are at serious risk for adverse emotional, physical and developmental
outcomes when their mom is living with HIV.
Even in areas with high treatment, 16% of children will, by age 18, be
orphaned as a result of HIV and AIDS.
The report also found a significant decrease in the graduation rates and
higher incidences of anxiety and depression.
The study describes that children are also at increased risk for sexual
exploitation and early sexual debut when a mother is too ill to protect and
care for them. In every arena, children suffer because of HIV.
What can be done to provide hope and healing for mothers and
children infected or affected by HIV? At Saddleback, we care about mothers and their
children infected and affected by HIV. PEACE teams travel to help local
churches come alongside mothers and children.
They help churches provide HIV testing and guide mothers into early
treatment. Church-based health care
workers volunteer to check on the mother’s health and help with HIV
medications. Ordinary members of
Saddleback Church work with local churches,
providing training to youth on
how to prevent HIV.
The Bible says, “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he
has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that
captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be
set free.” (Luke 4:18) You are invited to join a PEACE team that
helps women living with HIV and their children.
For more information on joining a PEACE trip; HIV@saddleback.com
OVCsupport.net, PEPFAR.gov Consequences of Adult HIV for Affected Children:
Modelling the Impact (September 2014)
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