Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
A growing number of South African AIDS orphans are in need of specialized care as they transition to adulthood, a new study by the Institute for Democracy in South Africa finds.
South Africa has the world's largest HIV case load and is home to nearly 3 million orphans, many of whom lost parents to AIDS. According to IDASA, an estimated 280,000 South African children age 15 or younger are HIV-positive. With free antiretroviral drugs available through the public health system, many HIV-positive orphans who previously would not have been expected to live to adolescence are reaching college age.
HIV-positive orphans need support with sexual issues and access to free education, health care, and training opportunities, according to Marietjie Oelofsen, manager of IDASA's government and AIDS program.
Harry Moultrie of Johannesburg-based Enhancing Children's HIV Outcomes, an agency that consults with the health department, says HIV-positive teens sometimes assert their independence in self-destructive ways, including not adhering to their HIV medicines. "The health care system is not well-structured to meeting the needs of these adolescents," he says.
Sibani Mngadi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Women, Children, and Persons With Disabilities, acknowledged that the government must do more to assist teen orphans as they grow up. Although AIDS orphans receive financial assistance from the government until they reach 18, there is a growing realization that they need more specialized attention as they become young adults.
Heartbeat, a government-funded group that provides after-school programs to 4,000 AIDS orphans, is doing just that. At community centers, many located in townships, the children sit in circles, discussing their problems and aspirations. Heartbeat offers career counseling, guidance on sex and drugs, and sports opportunities.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared
April 11 2024 3:15 PM
Diets that mimic fasting reverse aging: study
March 07 2024 5:28 PM
PrEP without a prescription now a reality in California
February 06 2024 8:37 PM
Injectable HIV treatment, prevention: Everything you need to know
March 26 2024 3:28 PM
8 dating tips for gay men from a gay therapist
March 21 2024 2:50 PM
Happy national foreskin day!
April 04 2024 1:45 PM
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
Scarlet fever: exploring our fascination with blood
March 13 2024 1:47 PM
On Anal Sex Day, crack up with The Bottom's Digest
April 18 2024 10:22 AM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
Yes, HIV-positive people can safely breastfeed
June 26 2024 12:59 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
Court rules to keep PrEP coverage under Obamacare
June 21 2024 5:42 PM
In honor of Juneteenth 2024, meet The Normal Anomaly
June 19 2024 1:39 PM
What is Juneteenth?
June 19 2024 11:30 AM
As Pride party season begins, the CDC urges mpox vaccinations
May 16 2024 6:52 PM
Advocacy in action with AIDSWatch
May 09 2024 12:30 PM
The Talk: Thriving with HIV
May 08 2024 10:45 AM
The Talk: What HIV isn’t
May 07 2024 10:48 AM
The Talk: Finding balance with HIV
May 06 2024 10:51 AM
Justice Dept plans to reschedule marijuana as a lower-risk drug
May 03 2024 2:40 PM
The Talk: Starting your journey with HIV
May 03 2024 2:00 PM
Why is a mother’s mental health so important? A doctor explains
May 01 2024 1:38 PM
Walmart to close all of its health care clinics
April 30 2024 12:30 PM
Vampire facial spa infected several women with HIV
April 29 2024 7:26 PM