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What policies and programmes will make a difference to children and families affected by AIDS and poverty?
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| Children dancing in Malawi |
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Existing public policies vary by country. Some countries, such as Tanzania and Malawi, already offer universal free primary education, while others such as Uganda and Zimbabwe are moving in that direction (Click here to see where education is free and compulsory). Some countries have free healthcare, while others charge fees. Social welfare policies vary by country too. South Africa and Botswana offer national benefits, while Zambia and Mozambique provide benefits in certain districts.
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What policies are needed in high HIV prevalence nations?
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Children infected or affected by AIDS (and other diseases)
- Cotrimoxizole (antibiotic) or ART as needed (in the case of children with HIV)
- Regular healthcare visits to monitor medication adherence
- Psychosocial support
- Home based care for sick family members
- Home visits by social workers to ensure a minimum standard of care for orphaned and vulnerable children and facilitate financial and other support to households with heavy caregiving burdens
| All children (including children made vulnerable by parental disease, orphanhood, poverty etc.)
- Free, accessible, age, and gender appropriate healthcare
- Free, compulsory, and quality educational services for in and out of school youth
- Regular and reliable social welfare assistance
- Safe, protectected environments to live and grow
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Each country must develop their own rights-based standards, systems and mechanism that guide alternative care, including monitoring children and supporting caregiving families. Minimum standards of care for children include, but are not limited to, access to basic health, education and social services, adequate food, water, clothing, shelter, and care for physical and emotional well being, time for rest and play, protection from all forms of exploitation violence, abuse and neglect, ongoing support for caregivers, and periodic review of the child’s circumstances. Mechanisms and processes must be developed, implemented, and monitored to ensure that alternative care options are adequate and that children separated from parents are protected from harm.
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