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Alleviate Suffering of Babies with AIDS and HIV

by Theodora Aggeles, RN
The Challenge

HIV/AIDS is devastating communities around the world. Global HIV/AIDS statistics show more than 33 million people are infected, about 2.5 million of whom are children. In fact, every hour another 30 children die from AIDS.

In Kenya alone, more than 100,000 children are infected. While many HIV-positive people in the Western world can gain decades of good health thanks to increasingly effective drug regimens, in the developing world, nearly a third of children born with HIV are still dying before their first birthday. Half will die before their second birthday, and three-quarters do not make it to age five, according to figures gathered by the United Nations.

Proper prenatal care can alleviate suffering of babies with AIDS and HIV. HIV testing, educating about breastfeeding, and administering AZT to HIV positive pregnant women and their newborns after birth significantly reduces the rate of transmission of AIDS and HIV from mothers to their babies.

Helping mothers to deliver healthy babies, not AIDS babies, is a goal for many volunteer vacation programs. Education and awareness are key elements. By teaching residents how to avoid transmitting the HIV virus, there will be fewer infected adults, which in turn will reduce the number of children born with the condition. For those already suffering, knowledge, emotional support, and a helping hand from someone who cares can make the situation better. Whether you are a medical professional, social worker, teacher, or simply a concerned person, there is a role for you.

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  • Through the Global Volunteer Network, for as few as two weeks or as long as six months, volunteers travel to Kenya to educate residents on the spread of HIV and to offer homecare and emotional support to those affected by AIDS. Medical training is not necessary for all aspects of the program, but a background in HIV/AIDS and basic health care is required.
  • Global Service Corps places volunteers in Tanzania and Cambodia to work on HIV/AIDS Prevention Education. Service lasts from two weeks to six months. There is also a special day camp in June at secondary schools in Tanzania where volunteers teach students about HIV/AIDS and other health and relationship issues.
  • Cross Cultural Solutions works with communities affected by HIV/AIDs in Africa and Latin America. There are many ways to get involved, based on your skills and the needs of the specific community, such as coordinating recreational activities for children whose families are affected by the disease, supporting medical professionals who are caring for patients, assisting with in-home care and counseling, or helping with daily chores at a support home.

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