Pediatric care
Children infected with HIV have special needs in treatment and care in order to survive and develop. Left untreated, half of HIV positive infants die before they reach the age of two. If these children receive proper care, however, they can lead long and productive lives (real life stories).
The challenges an HIV positive child faces are multi-faceted. UNICEF works with the government of China and international organizations to ensure that these children receive the care and support vital to their lives:
- They need special care from specialized medical staff. The number of child infections is relatively small compared to adults. Most doctors lack the knowledge and experience on how to care for these children. UNICEF's international experience and best practice in caring for the infected child has been shared with Chinese doctors in a Guidelines for the Care and Support of Children Living with AIDS developed together with the Ministry of Health.
- Children infected with HIV need life-saving drugs tailored to their needs. They need affordable pediatric formulations that are palatable, easy to administer, and at the right dosage. UNICEF has worked with other international organizations to support the Chinese government's efforts to scale-up treatment for children. By the end of 2006, the goal is that over 500 children will be receiving appropriate treatment, care and support.
- Mothers are key to the survival of children living with HIV or AIDS. She needs financial and emotional support as well as information and guidance to ensure the child receives proper care, nutrition and sustained treatment. UNICEF's family and community based care for HIV positive mothers and children goes beyond "giving drugs to the sick child", to ensure the child's best chance for survival-and recognizes the paramount need of a healthy mother in a child's life.
