HIV/AIDS infected orphans between devil and deep sea 

Kohima, May 9: HIV/AIDS infected orphans in Nagaland have been thrown between the devil and the deep sea as support facilities are denied to them because of stigma and orphanages turning them away because of lack of wherewithal to care for them. 

Government officials and NGOs admitted that there was stigma against the affected orphans at all levels and that it was increasing at an alarming rate. 

Orphanages also often refused to accept them on the plea that they hardly possessed special facilities needed for their care, NGOs working in the field of HIV/AIDS said. 

Avio, in-charge of AIDS Hospice, Cradle Ridge, Kohima said stigma and discrimination was a major hindrance in extending care to HIV infected orphans. 

Project Director of Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (SACS) Dr Niephie Kire said there was no specific programme for children under phase-II of National AIDS Control Programme (NACP-II). 

The care and support system was for all vulnerable sections whether child or adult in the state, he said. 

Kire said specific and comprehensive support and care programmes would be taken up for children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS in the state during implementation of NACP-III beginning this fiscal. 

Kire pointed out that HIV/AIDS affected orphans did not have a voice. 

The problem, he said, called for a multi-sectoral approach involving, government, individuals, NGOs and the community. 

Although there was no authentic data about HIV/AIDS infected or affected orphans, Khire admitted that they were subjected to stigma and discrimination in various forms resulting in denial of education and healthcare, making them prone to malnutrition, being exploited as child labour, and being used for prostitution and drug trafficking. 

Dr Abou Zao, in-charge of Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in the Naga Hospital here said that although 272 HIV infected orphans had registered with the facility, only 52 were availing of drugs which helped control HIV infection from becoming full blown AIDS cases. 

Chuogtie of Nagaland Network of Positive People (NNP), said they registered 13 HIV infected children, but hardly 12 of them were availing support and care. 

The impact of HIV/AIDS on infected and affected children in the state was increasing alarmingly in the state, Marnungla progamme coordinator, FXB India Suraksha, Nagaland branch, said. 

Her NGO was taking up the problem with help from Social Welfare Department and NSACS. FXB yesterday organized World AIDS Orphan Day here in collaboration with UNICEF and NSACS. 

According to an estimate, over 15 million children worldwide have lost one or both parents due to AIDS and this would to rise to 20-25 million by 2010. 

India was estimated to have about 2.20 lakh infected children between the age group of 0-15 years.