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If children and young people who are HIV-positive

In the case of HIV / Aids, we think first of all to adults. But what is with children and young people? Worldwide, there are about 1.8 million. Not all of them have a Chance at a normal life.

Around 90 percent of all children with HIV live in the countries of sub-Saharan Africa, and only half of them receive the required medical care. According to “Doctors without borders” were killed around the world by 2017 approximately 110,000 children in Aids-related diseases. Latest Figures give cause for hope. “There are significantly fewer new infections in newborn and babies”, says Rudi Taneden, spokesman for UNICEF Germany. “In 2017 there were 430.000, fifteen to sixteen years earlier twice as many.”

On a good way

In Germany, approximately 600 HIV-positive children and adolescents live. Add to this the number of unreported cases. New infections there are hardly any. By a HIV-Screening in pregnancy, doctors can prevent a possible Transfer to the child at birth. The expectant mother receives before anti-retroviral drugs. You can reduce the viral load. By an Emperor, the infection can be prevented cut. “The kid gets to be on the safe for 2 weeks a prophylactic juice administered,” explains Dr. Robin Kobbe. He is a specialist in children’s and youth medicine at the University hospital in Hamburg-Eppendorf. The anti-retro viral juice additional protection for the newborn.

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How do I tell my child?

In the year 2018 with HIV are discriminated against-Positive, in spite of intense reconnaissance. Many parents try to keep secret from others, that your child is HIV-positive. “The biggest fear of parents is that their children may be rejected by others,” says Tanji Sthamer of the Association of child and youth protection, Hamburg.

“These Fears we try to take the parents,” says the social worker. “We also tell you how important it is to stay with the children at the truth and to tell you no lies. Eventually this comes out and this means a great loss of confidence.”

Tanji Sthamer advises that children as early as possible about your disease and inform the child-and in very small steps. “It is not important, what is the name of the disease, but perhaps say: ‘Your blood is sick’. Often, children want to know why you again and again, the blood is removed. It will examine, for example, whether the drugs hit. “I have to explain to the child why it has to the doctor again,” says Sthamer.

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HI-viruses under the microscope

Meanwhile, there are very good drugs, but not all are approved for use in children. This is a Problem, says UNICEF spokesman Taneden. “Drugs that work in the child age, need to be adapted for young people then. Here much research is still needed.”

“Not in the mood anymore”

HIV-positive and in puberty. The means for adolescents and parents, but also for the Doctors of the particular Situation. “Here it comes, understandably, often to mental health problems,” describes Kobbe the Situation. “Often the medications are taken irregularly or not at all. Especially in the case of non-consistent use can lead to resistance formation. In order for students to use on duration of treatment possibilities for the future.”

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Not infrequently the young people rebelling against their daily medication, often do not want to understand how important they are. The tablets are not taken regularly, it may be that the viral load rises again.

Just in time, however, it is important to take the medication regularly, because it is also the time to make in the young people’s first sexual experiences. It is important to know for those Concerned: The HIV infection is, and remains. But thanks to good therapy, the diagnosis of “HIV”, at least in Germany and Western Europe today is not a death sentence anymore.


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