Protection and Care for Children Affected by HIV and AIDS

© UNICEF/NEP2923/SaShrestha

It is estimated that 19,600 children are currently orphaned in Nepal due to AIDS. However, systems to deal with orphans are inadequate, and such children often drop out of school, and face malnutrition, child labour and others vulnerabilities. Over burdened social systems often mean that children affected by AIDS have poor access to basic social services. A recent study commissioned by UNICEF revealed that the first coping mechanism used by families affected by AIDS is a reduction in food provision for children. Children of lower castes and girls are most affected. Community social nets are usually unable to absorb the additional burden of families affected by AIDS.

Activities

• Strengthen the capacity of district-level duty bearers and community support organisations to safeguard the rights of children affected by AIDS.
• Implement a community-based support package for children affected by AIDS in four districts, by developing a strategy, guidelines and a national action plan, conducting advocacy and coordination among stakeholders, mobilising resources, and building the capacity of key stakeholders and partners.

Expected results

By 2010, a national framework for protection, care and support of children affected by AIDS will be fully operational. This will ensure that an increased proportion of children affected by AIDS will receive protection, care, treatment and support services through government child protection systems.

Community-based organisations will receive district-level support for the provision of services to children affected by HIV/AIDS and their families, and a community-based support package will be operating in at least four districts.