Child Protection in the Context of HIV and AIDS

HIV and AIDS directly impacts the lives of approximately 20 million children worldwide. More than 3.4 million children are currently living with HIV and AIDS; including 390,000 children who were newly diagnosed in 2010 (WHO et al, 2011). An estimated 16.6 million children have lost one or both parents due to the disease (UNICEF, 2011). In spite of significant progress made in access to anti-retro virals (ARTs) that help extend life span and quality of life, critical gaps remain in the effort to better support and protect children affected by this disease. It is estimated that only 11% of households caring for an orphan or child impacted by HIV and AIDS receives outside support (UNICEF, 2010), illustrating the continued and increasing need for targeted and sustained support to children and families.