The devastating consequences of HIV/AIDS on African societies, and its
particular impact on children, is requiring every organisation involved in fighting
the epidemic to find new strategies to address adequately both the scale of the
problem and its duration. The crisis of children left behind by AIDS is a
humanitarian, development and human rights challenge of unprecedented
proportions.
Although there have been substantial gains in improving overall child survival,
these gains are being eroded in African countries hardest hit by the epidemic.
The scale of the epidemic on this continent makes its repercussions
qualitatively different from those in other parts of the world. The economic and
social effects of HIV infection and AIDS on children include malnutrition,
migration, homelessness and reduced access to education and health care.
Psychological effects include depression, guilt and fear, possibly leading to longterm
mental health problems. The combination of these effects on children
increases their vulnerability to a range of consequences, including HIV
infection, illiteracy, poverty, child labour, exploitation and the prospect of
unemployment.