Orphans and Vulnerable Children - CRIN

Some impacts of HIV/AIDS on children:

• Loss of family, loss of identity


• Psychological distress and depression


• Self-rejection


• Increased malnutrition


• Loss of healthcare, including immunisations


• Increased workload


• Loss of shelter and clothing


• Low self-esteem and confidence


• Fewer opportunities for schooling and
  education (many children drop out of school)


• Loss of inheritance


• Increased risk of abuse and exploitation.

The Psychological and Socio-economic Impact of

HIV/AIDS on Children, Families and Communities

In this activity, you will:

 Discuss the psychological and socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS on children,

families and communities

Facilitator’s notes:

Activity 2

The following are key points to a discussion on the impact of HIV/AIDS:

 The cost of HIV/AIDS is very high physically, emotionally and psychologically.

 HIV/AIDS has resulted in the loss of the most productive individuals in society

 The medical costs of HIV/AIDS have put a great strain on healthcare delivery.

 The extended family’s capacity to care for orphans has been stretched to breaking

point, and has created a group of vulnerable children who are disadvantaged in all

aspects of their lives: socially, economically, psychologically and physically.

Some impacts of HIV/AIDS on families:

• Loss of family members (through death,
  fostering or adoption); family dissolution


• Changes in household and family structure


• Unemployment due to ill health


• Selling of household property to raise
  money for healthcare costs


• Stigma and discrimination experienced by
  family, especially women and children


• Possession and property grabbing


• Guilt suffered by individuals who are
  infected with HIV/AIDS


• Turning to witchcraft and witch doctors to
  help cure ill health


• Lost income and impoverishment


• Forced migration


• Grief


• Stress and depression


• Increased stress may lead to increased
  neglect, abuse and exploitation of children


• Reduced ability to care for children and
  elderly household members.

(^110) Unit 2, Module 1 Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children