AIDS, Children have no first line of defence: Study

[Guest guest]

[Moderators note follows the main text]

AIDS children have no first line of defence: Study

New Delhi, July 21. (UNI): Though education is acknowledged to be

the first line of defence against the spread of HIV and AIDS, the

epidemic has a large negative impact on education of children by

affecting the access, demand, supply and quality of education, says

a new study.

The study -- " Socio Economic Impact of HIV and AIDS in India " -- found

that children from HIV households not only have a lower rate of

enrolment than those from non HIV households, but the dropout rates

are higher and school attendance lower for those who have dropped

out.

The study was undertaken by the National Council of Applied Economic

research (NCAER) and supported by the National AIDS Control

Organsation (NACO) and the United Nations Development Programme

The girl child was found to be more affected, being more likely to

be withdrawn from school.

" Since most of the HIV infected persons are not only in their prime

working age but are also often parents of young school-going

children, the epidemic would have an adverse on many aspects of

child well-being, " the study said.

The impact of the epidemic on schooling was estimated by comparing

enrolment rates, type of school attended, school attendance rate

across HIV and non-HIV households.

More children from HIV households dropped out of school to take care

of sick or their younger siblings, assisting household chores or

take up a job as compared to non-HIV children.

Reasons like " not interested in studies " and " education considered

unnecessary " was higher for non HIV households, a clear sign that

education is valued in HIV households and that they are forced by

circumstances to withdraw their children from school.

Among the reasons for low school attendance, " parent unwell " , " not

paid fees " , and had to look after younger siblings or attend to

household chores " was higher than those from non-HIV households.

Reasons like " went out of station " , " to attend social function " were

higher for children from non HIV households.

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200607210313.htm

____________________________

[Moderators note: A copy of the report " The Macroeconomic and

Sectoral Impacts of HIV and AIDS in India " is avaialbe on UNDP India

website: www.undp.org.in

An electronic version of the report is available with the moderator

as well. Thanks to Sidhu, Research Associate, HIV &

Development Unit United Nations Development Programme

55 Lodhi Estate, P.O. Box 3059, New Delhi - 110003 India

Tel (91 11) 2462 8877 Ext. 270 / Fax (91 11) 2462 97612

http://www.undp.org.in / E-mail sabrina.sidhu@...]