Supporting children with HIV or AIDS
Recent estimates put the number of Colombian children living with HIV or AIDS at around 230,000 (UNICEF 2007). These children often face rejection by their family and community, and denial of their basic rights, including the right to access health services and medicine.
As well as being one of the most impoverished and violent cities in Colombia, Cali is home to an estimated 10,000 people with HIV or AIDS. There are thought to be around five new cases per day in the city. Poor, displaced women are most at risk of contracting HIV and are often unaware of their status, increasing the risk of mother to child transmission. Many women are then driven by illness, poverty and social stigma to neglect or abandon their children.
A home and hospice
Fundamor is the only shelter for abandoned and orphaned children with HIV or AIDS in Cali, and is home to 50 babies and children aged 0 to 14. The children arrive small, weak and malnourished. Aids-related illnesses can cause cognitive and motor symptoms, including impaired short-term memory, reduced concentration and lack of balance.
At Fundamor the children are registered with social security so they can access free anti-retroviral treatment. Fundamor also uses a holistic approach to healthcare: a healthy organic diet and rehabilitative treatment for physical, cognitive and emotional development. Fundamor strives to give the children a sense of normality and a happy home environment. Children under seven go to nursery, where they receive a rounded education. Primary age children go to a local school - a real achievement for the project, as past attempts at integration were unsuccessful due to discrimination.
In recent years Fundamor has been prioritising supporting children living with HIV or AIDS into adolescence and adulthood. Now that children with HIV or AIDS are living longer (due to improved support, healthcare and awareness) Fundamor are focussing more and more on preparing the children for leaving care. As a key area of our work, Children of the Andes is currently supporting this area of Fundamor's work. Fundamor have also been learning from COTA partner Fundación Formación de Futuros - whose key aim is to prepare children for leaving care.
