African Babies

Case Studies: Disability & HIV

Unseen Effects of HIV and AIDS

Ruth Coleman - Sightsavers International Communications & Advocacy Manager

"Oscar did not learn of his HIV positive status in the usual way of visiting a clinic and being tested. Rather, he came to Ronald Ross hospital supported by Sightsavers International in Mufulira because of a painful eye condition."

Small Hands, Big Gloves: Children as Caregivers

Tayson Mudarikiri, HDN Key Correspondent, Zimbabwe

"She works like an adult. You would not believe she is only nine,' said her mother, who, despite her pain, attempts a smile to show her pride in her daughter."

Children Who Care for the Sick

Gloria Ganyani, HDN Key Correspondent, Zimbabwe

"It may not be ethical for children to be caregivers but that is the reality on the ground."

Rabbit Breeding Empowers HIV-Affected Children

Sandra Mujokoro, HDN Key Correspondent, Zimbabwe

"The impact of this project on the children has been tremendous. Not only are the children able to send themselves to school but now rabbit meat is helping improve the nutrition in the households."

When Will She Discover She is HIV Positive?

Tafadzwa Mukandi, HDN Key Correspondent, Zimbabwe

"No one wants to play with me in my class, they are always laughing at me, and I am always in my tears. I wish I had parents like others. Maybe that way I would have friends in my class."

Zambia's HIV-Affected Children Turn to the Streets

Masimba Biriwasha, HDN Key Correspondent, Zimbabwe

"Many of these so-called street kids are part of a generation of children in Zambia that is growing up without parental care, support or guidance. The children are consequently vulnerable to exploitation, abuse and disease."

Children Neglected in the HIV Response

Henry Kabwe, HDN Key Correspondent, Zambia

"Former Zambian Health Minister, Nkandu Luo, said a great deal of progress had been made in the treatment of adults but little had been done for children."

Stigma Rife in Uganda's Schools

Alege Stephen Galla, HDN Key Correspondent, Uganda

"A lot of effort and innovation has been put into the national HIV response; little, if anything, has been done about tackling stigma in schools."

The Challenges of ART Counseling for Children and Adolescents

Phillip Laishram, HDN Key Correspondent, India

"We need to put ourselves in the shoes of these children and help them make the difficult decisions they face."

Stigma and HIV-Positive Children in Thailand

Niparueradee Pinyajeerapat, HDN Key Correspondent, Thailand

"He does not think he could face the consequences of stigma so he would rather keep quiet about his HIV status."

Pushing Back Against HIV-Related Stigma in Viet Nam

My Linh Nguyen Thi, HDN Key Correspondent, Viet Nam

"At the time, H thought only that going to school is the right of all children - she didn't know anything about the rights of people living with HIV."