Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Reuters NewMedia, Inc. - 21 Nov 1995
Deborah Charles / Reuter
Health care, child rights and international law experts said at the opening ceremony of an Asia-Pacific programme on AIDS and child rights that children are becoming more vulnerable to AIDS and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes it.
"The pandemic shows no signs of abatement, particularly here in Asia," said Dr Brian Doberstyn, World Health Organisation (WHO) representative in Thailand. "All population groups are affected, including children, the segment of the population most requiring protection and support."
AIDS is spread through bodily fluids, and can be transmitted to an unborn child through its infected mother.
K.B. Kothari, deputy regional director of UNICEF's regional office, said as many as 2,000 of the 5,000 new cases of HIV infection diagnosed globally every day occur in young people under 25 years old.
"For young women in their teens, the rate of infection is twice to three times that of young men of the same age."
The WHO estimates about 40 million people will be infected with HIV globally by the year 2000.
The number of people infected with AIDS and HIV will soon multiply faster in Asia than anywhere else in the world, experts say, and Asia is seen soon overtaking Africa as the epicentre of the epidemic.
A study released in September showed that in Thailand alone, almost 100,000 children will be orphaned and a million will be affected by AIDS and HIV by the year 2000.
As the numbers grow, so does discrimination, experts say.
"The discrimination that people with HIV and AIDS continue to endure is shocking," said Doberstyn. "It is clear that the pandemic cannot be controlled without overcoming discrimination and protecting the rights of those with HIV infection, suspected of being infected, or particularly vulnerable to infection."
Under the Convention on the Rights of Child, ratified by more than 150 governments, children are granted equal rights, whether they are sick or not, the experts said.
" ... who can blame a child for being infected before the child was even born? But they still suffer discrimination," Doberstyn said.
951121
RE951118
Copyright © 1995 - Reuters, Ltd. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Contact Reuters.
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, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1995. 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, 1995. 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. .