Inadequate nutrition poses a risk to their growth and development, compounding the challenges they already face.
New Delhi (THP) The World Health Organization’s 2023 report revealed a staggering 1.5 million global cases of pediatric HIV in 2022, spreading at an alarming rate of one child every two seconds. Navigating the landscape of HIV in children presents a unique set of challenges, distinct from those faced by adults, according to experts.
Mona Balani, Programme Officer at India HIV/AIDS Alliance, shares insights from her experience working with children affected by HIV. She emphasises that children often lack awareness of their condition until around the age of 10, posing a challenge in managing the complexity of the disease. Furthermore, school-going children face scrutiny when taking medication in classrooms, as certain drugs may induce drowsiness, affecting their academic performance.
Highlighting the vulnerability of AIDS orphans, Balani underscores the pivotal role of extended families and caretakers in determining the health outcomes of these children. Inadequate nutrition poses a risk to their growth and development, compounding the challenges they already face.
Dr. Pooja Khosla, Consultant at the Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, offers crucial advice for pregnant women with HIV, emphasising the importance of timely Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) to protect the baby. Dr. Khosla stresses the need for maintaining a controlled viral load and opting for a caesarean section if necessary, underscoring the responsibility of pregnant, HIV-positive mothers to adhere to proper treatment, regular check-ups, and nutrition.
Dr. Nimesh G Desai, Director of the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBLS), sheds light on the mental and emotional impacts on children with HIV. Rather than depression, he notes conduct disorders and antisocial behaviors in adolescents, emphasizing the need for focused counseling to address their specific needs.
(Source: The HealthPresso)
