A Generation at Risk: The Global Impact of HIV/AIDS on Orphans and Vulnerable Children

Description

With a Foreword by Desmond Tutu, Generation at Risk brings insightful perspectives from experienced practitioners and researchers on how a better future can be secured for the millions of children who are being orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. The current situation of these children is grim, and while there has been significant action by governments, international organizations, religious bodies, and non-governmental organizations, the vast majority of children made vulnerable by AIDS have not benefited from any assistance beyond their own extended family and community. A Generation at Risk explains in straightforward terms what is required to fill this gap. The book addresses what needs to be done in the areas of education, community mobilization and capacity building, economic strengthening at household and community levels, psychosocial support, and the protection of children and the fulfilment of their rights.

Dr Geoff Foster trained in medicine in London and took up an appointment in 1985 as a specialist pediatrician with the government of Zimbabwe. In 1987, he founded Family AIDS Caring Trust (FACT), a faith-based nongovernmental organization and one of Africa's first AIDS service organizations. During the 1990s, FACT pioneered HIV/AIDS care, prevention and training programs including a widely replicated, community-based model supporting orphans and vulnerable children. Carol Levine is currently director of the Families and Health Care Project at the United Hospital Fund in New York City. She also directs The Orphan Project: Families and Children in the HIV Epidemic, which she founded in 1991. She was director of the Citizens Commission on AIDS in New York City from 1987 to 1991. John Williamson is the senior technical advisor for the Displaced Children and Orphans Fund (DCOF) of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), supporting programming for children affected by armed conflict, street children, and children affected by AIDS. Since 1994, he has written or contributed to publications concerning children orphaned or otherwise made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS, including the Children on the Brink series.

'This book's editors and contributors address the growing problem of children affected by HIV/AIDS. With a focus on childhood rights, strengthening household income, international policy, and research priorities, this book will be useful to advanced students and scholars.' Choice