Spread Love to HIV Infected and Affected Children

The Story

HIV poses a direct threat to child and adolescent health, family functioning, and well-being. Given the burden of stigma, poverty, and stressors related to consequences of HIV in the family, the mental health of children affected by HIV is particularly at risk. Research has shown that illness and loss due to HIV/AIDS are associated with parental depression, hopelessness, and risk behaviors, such as drug and alcohol problems.HIV-positive children and children affected by HIV (ie, those who have caregivers living with HIV or family members who have died of AIDS) may face greater family stress and conflict,difficulties with peer relationships due to HIV-related stigma, and increased risk of depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal.^7–For HIV-affected children, parental illness or death may shift family responsibilities to them at a young age, contributing to school dropout, emotional and behavioral problems, and risky survival strategies, such as exchanging sex for money,further perpetuating a cycle of HIV risk and infection(NCBI, 2014).