Expert advice: HIV Management in kids
Sister Mirian Chioma, an Infection Prevention Specialist at Life Carstenhof Hospital, shares advice on how parents and guardians can help children living with HIV.
The world is commemorating World AIDS Day on 1 December.
According to the World AIDS Day organisation, the day is aimed at uniting people worldwide in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
The site reports that there are an estimated 38-million people around the world who have the virus and more than 35-million people have died of HIV- or AIDS-related illnesses, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
UNICEF reports that each day in 2021, approximately 850 children became infected with HIV and approximately 301 children died from AIDS-related causes. This is an alarming number.
READ: WHO aims to end HIV infections in children by 2030
HIV in children can be prevented from pregnancy.
Sister Mirian Chioma, an Infection Prevention Specialist at Life Carstenhof Hospital, says pregnant women who are infected with HIV "should try to seek for medical care to eliminate mother to child transmission of HIV."
She adds: "Taking of antiretroviral treatment during pregnancy will prevent the transmission of the virus."
For those living in rural areas, Sister Mirian says they should visit their clinics which could be of help.
Sadly, HIV/AIDS prevention in kids is not always possible. The health professional says there are crucial conversations that parents need to have with children who are living with HIV.
"Tell the children that HIV is not a death sentence. A healthy life can be lived with HIV. Foster self-esteem by praising them frequently," says Mirian.
The Infection Prevention Specialist says parents should also "talk openly about HIV and give sex and health education early."
"World Health Organisation recommends that by the age of 10-12 years old, children should be made fully aware of their status. Children who are informed when they are older often feel angry about this important fact being kept from them."
The health professional adds that parents or guardians must encourage children living with HIV to continue taking their treatment.
"Support and encourage the child to continue with the prescribed ARVs in order to keep an undetectable viral load. Always visit the clinic and be checked by the medical personnel," she says.
READ: CAB-LA: What you need to know about the injection that prevents HIV