India is at a critical juncture in the HIV/AIDS pandemic. It is estimated that the number of children in India who are orphaned by AIDS is nearing 2 million. Migrant labor, prostitution, taboo and lack of
education on sexuality, stigma on people with sexually-transmitted diseases and other factors all contribute to the rapid spread of AIDS cases. India is expected to become the next epicenter of AIDS orphan crisis after Africa according to different sources.
Infected Children
India today is becoming home to a largest number of AIDS orphans in the world. HIV Infections are attributable to mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, at the time of birth or through breast feeding. According to the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), about 33,000 newborns get HIV every year from their mothers. Over 50% of them would die within two years and about 80% within five years..
For children whose parents are living with HIV, life is a series of hardships. Parents repeatedly fall ill which leads to loss of job. This leads to the emergence of child-headed households. Children are forced
to take care of their parents and siblings, leave school and start to earn a living for their family. Low household income and increasing medical expenses drain their resources. Children not only see their parents get
sick and die but also live with the stigma of being associated with someone who had AIDS.
These children are vulnerable to malnutrition, illiteracy, economic deprivation, social exclusion, exploitation and abuse. Those who are not taken in by their relatives end up on the streets and orphanages.
Our Program
3 NGO’s that help HIV Infected and Affected children has been adopted: Swadhar & Serva Sang in Pune and Sahas in Mumbai.
Hope for the Children Foundation provides supplementary nutrition to 149 children infected with HIV.. A balanced, high protein diet rich in iron is essential for the health and survival of these children.
Results
By providing supplementary diet, children are healthier and stronger. Their frequency of illnesses related to HIV is reduced. Records show that children on supplementary nutrition gained 1.02 kg average in weight, 2.05 cm average in height and 33.28 percent increase in T-Cell count which reflects higher immunity improvement in a short span of time.
"I want to become a doctor"
"A few months ago, we went to visit an
NGO in Pune that helps families affected
by AIDS. We meet Sangeeta, an HIV
affected child. She told me she wants to
become a doctor so she can help her
family. It was heartbreaking to feel her
pain and at the same time it was
heartwarming to see the innocence, hope and her dream of a better life."
Caroline Ramos, Founder & Managing Trustee of Hope for the Children Foundation
