Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Associated Press; 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020 - Wednesday, November 19, 1997; 6:05 p.m. EST
Barry Schweid, AP Diplomatic Writer
With a population explosion of young people, especially in poor countries, "it is a crisis of staggering proportion," Dr. Nils Daulaire, senior adviser on children and women's health issues, said at a news conference.
A report will be released on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1.
According to the report, "Children on the Brink," the AIDS epidemic now apparent in sub-Saharan Africa will be repeated in the next decade in Asia and Latin America.
"That is going to affect not only the future of these countries, it is going to affect the entire global network of trade, diplomacy and development," Daulaire said.
"The world has always had orphans," he said. Historically, about 2 percent of all children have lost one or both parents.
But, Daulaire said, "what we are talking about here is something that has never been seen before, which is countries with one-sixth to one-quarter of all children without one or both parents. It means that those countries would be permanently crippled in terms of their own ability to grow, to integrate with the global society, and to make their countries work."
The 40 million children in 23 countries studied by the U.S. agency, with their poverty and lack of education, he said, will be "wreaking havoc on the social structure of their countries and on the economic future of their entire regions."
In a series of recommendations, the report urged countries to provide more economic protection for women and children, health services at home and child nutrition programs.
"Government leadership is also needed to encourage all elements of society to collaborate in developing realistic strategies to meet the needs of children and families affected by HIV-AIDS," the report said.
The study concentrated on countries in regions where AIDS is most prevalent. Not covered were some of the most populous nations, such as India, China and Indonesia, where the disease only recently took hold.
Copyright 1997/The Associated Press. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Permissions Desk, The Associated Press, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020.
971119
AP971113
Copyright © 1997 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1997. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1997. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .