AEGiS-15IAC: A framework for the protection, care and support of orphans and vulnerable children living in a world with HIV/AIDS.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

A framework for the protection, care and support of orphans and vulnerable children living in a world with HIV/AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. E10364)

Connolly M, Stirling M
UNICEF New York, New York, United States

ISSUES: Urgent mobilization of resources and action is required to respond effectively to the crisis of orphans and vulnerable children living in a world with HIV/AIDS. By 2010, more than 20 million children will have been orphaned by AIDS. The UNGASS on HIV/AIDS Declaration of Commitment set clear goals for orphans and vulnerable children.

DESCRIPTION: UNICEF is leading a broad coalition of partners to galvanize an adequate response to this mounting crisis. UNICEF and its partners have agreed on a framework for action that brings together global goals, human rights principles, strategies, and guidance for programming and monitoring. Based on years of experience and lessons learned, the framework identifies five key strategies: (1) strengthen the capacity of families to protect and care for orphans and vulnerable children by prolonging the lives of parents and providing economic, psychosocial and other support; (2) mobilize and support community-based responses; (3) ensure parity of access for orphans and vulnerable children to essential services, including education, health care and others; (4) ensure that governments protect the most vulnerable children through improved policy and by channelling resources to families and communities; and, (5) raise awareness to create a supportive environment for children and families affected byHIV/AIDS. Crucial to monitoring is a set of core indicators being used by countries to measure their progress towards global goals. The indicators include school attendance, health care access, government expenditure per child, family-based care and psychosocial support. The framework has been endorsed by several major partner organizations and serves as guide for national level responses.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Of highest priority in moving the framework agenda forward are efforts to support countries in achieving the UNGASS goals and increased financial commitments by all governments.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Foster Home Care, HIV Seropositivity, HIV Infections, Demography, Health Planning Guidelines, Research, Family, Public Policy, Health Services Accessibility, Child, Humans, Female, economics

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