Needs and support for children affected by HIV/AIDS in the community in 2013

Abstract

     Children are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of HIV/AIDS, and their basic human rights, for example the safety and development rights, are threatened. A cross-sectional study was conducted with the aim to identify (i) needs for supporting services among orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS (OVC) and their families; (ii) levels of service provision that meet the needs of these children and their families. This study was implemented in the four provinces, namely Phu Tho, Khanh Hoa, Dong Thap, and Bac Ninh. Using the multistage cluster sampling method, 322 main caregivers of OVC children at home were selected for interviews. Results: 17.7% of OVC lived with HIV, about 50% of them were ill during the last four weeks, and only 6% received treatment. In addition, roughly 94% of the studied children needed support. Specifically, children who needed more milk and/or foods, health insurance cards and financial support in the form of tuition fees so that they could continue to attend school accounted for 60%, 67% and 85%, respectively. About 57% of the OVC and their families received more or less support from the staffs of the Vietnam Ministry of Labours, Invalids, and Social Affairs (MOLISA). Recommendations: Reviewing and updating the lists of OVC in local areas is of vital importance. Additionally, it is noted that it is essential to meet the needs in the order of priority in case of a lack of resources. Besides, the local child support and protection agency is recommended to collaborate with organizations and/or companies in order to use resources from their local projects.