E-DRUG: When do we tell children their HIV status (4)
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I found this article very helpful in looking at the risks and benefits of
telling children their HIV status, even though it is based on children in
the USA.
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/pediatrics;103/1/164.pdf
I can also recommend a google search using "hiv positive children" as the
first search words, then refining with the word "disclosure" - there is a
lot to read!
I am a nurse working in a project which does memory work with HIV-positive
children in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. To do the memory work, the child is
required to know their HIV status. It's still very early days, but we have
worked successfully with children aged from 9 yrs.
Anni Tonin
Onjengami Project, Sinomlando Centre
http://www.sinomlando.ukzn.ac.za
Anni Tonin <annitonin@googlemail.com>
E-DRUG: When do we tell children their HIV status (5)
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Dear colleagues
Children do understand. The thinking that young children can not undestand is misguided one and an old myth! If one can speak the language of children, can communicate effectively. Yes, they can be told of their situation, and not doing so is professionally failing to deliver. However, child counseling is a skill which should be acquired. Professionals and Institutions need to empower health providers with skills of child counseling in order to make the Paediatric AIDS care comprehensive one.
My 24 year clinical practice demonstrates the usefulness of disclosure.
Dr Ibrahim Z. K. Maduhu (MD, MMed)
Consultant Paediatrician
Training & Communication Officer,
Expanded Programme on Immunization,
P.O. Box 9083,
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania
Mobile: +255-713-260390 and +255-787-585109
or +255-713-468302 / 0767-468302
Fax / phone +255-22-2450089
e-mail: nyasilu55@yahoo.com
OR nyasilu55@gmail.com