Orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS in Brazil: where do we stand and where are we heading?

Authors

  • Ivan França-Junior Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Saúde Pública; Departamento de Saúde Materno-Infantil
  • Marlene Doring Universidade de Passo Fundo; Instituto de Ciências Biológicas
  • Isete Maria Stella Secretaria Municipal de Saúde; Vigilância Epidemiológica

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102006000800005

Keywords:

HIV, Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, Child, Adolescent, Child advocacy, Human rights, United Nations, Vulnerability and health, Orphanages

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying human rights' status and situation, as expressed in the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS, of children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS, non-orphans and orphans affected by AIDS, based on local and international literature review. The main study findings did not allow to accurately estimating those children and adolescents living with HIV and non-orphans affected by HIV/AIDS but data was available on those living with AIDS and orphans. The limitations and possibilities of these estimates obtained from surveillance systems, mathematical models and surveys are discussed. Though studies in literature are still quite scarce, there is indication of compromise of several rights such as health, education, housing, nutrition, nondiscrimination, and physical and mental integrity. Brazil still needs to advance to meet further needs of those orphaned and vulnerable children. Its response so far has been limited to providing health care to those children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS, preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission and financing the implementation and maintenance of support homes (shelters according to Child and Adolescent Bill of Rights) for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, either orphans or not. These actions are not enough to ensure a supportive environment for children and adolescents orphaned, infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. It is proposed ways for Brazil to develop and improve databases to respond to these challenges.

Published

2006-04-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

França-Junior, I., Doring, M., & Stella, I. M. (2006). Orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS in Brazil: where do we stand and where are we heading? . Revista De Saúde Pública, 40(supl.), 23-30. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102006000800005