Early years development
The early years of life are crucial to the physical, mental and social wellbeing of any child. However, several problems exist in Russia, which threaten the health and life of many of its children. One urgent concern is the spread of the HIV virus in Russia. Although people of all ages are at risk, of particular concern is the rapidly growing problem of mother to child transmission (MTCT) of the HIV virus and the subsequent care of these children. Ten years ago this problem didn't exist in Russia and it doesn't have to exist now. However, the lack of established preventive measures and knowledge among both health care workers and the general public increase the probability that an HIV-infected mother will give birth to an infected child. This is despite the fact that it is possible to prevent infection of the fetus or of a newborn infant if certain precautionary measures are taken. Another tragic result of this crisis is the increase in the number of "social orphans" in Russia. A social orphan is an orphan with living parents. Lena, a blond 4 year old is such a child. She, like many of the children she lives with, was abandoned at birth by her HIV-positive mother. Even if a child is not turned over to the state, chances are they will not be able to gain access to education. Pre-schools, schools, and residential care and education institutions are not prepared to enrol these children. Condemned to isolated lives in hospital wards or homes, these children are deprived of education and social participation. Breastfeeding plays an invaluable role in the beginning months of a baby's life. Breast milk provides babies with all the nutrients they need and it also protects them against infection and disease. Yet despite the obvious benefits of breast feeding, rates of exclusive breast-feeding until four months are still below 50% in Russia, placing babies at higher risks. In addition, maternity hospitals and children polyclinics aggressively promote breast-milk substitutes resulting in high rates of in-hospital infections and intestinal diseases. Attitudes of both mothers and health care staff must be changed before this trend can be reversed. Another growing concern in Russia is iodine deficiency. Although iodine deficiency is detrimental to health at any age it is most clearly felt in early childhood when its effect on the growing brain can lead to mental retardation and cretinism. The risk of iodine deficiency is endemic in Russia, regardless of the region. There is a shortage of iodine in people's diet, especially among rural inhabitants and less prosperous population groups. Low levels of naturally occurring iodine and limited availability and consumption of iodized salt expose children to iodine deficiency disorders such as endemic goiter.
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