When a child is adopted through any of our programs, we are delighted that a forever family has been found. Unfortunately, there are many children left behind, and we are committed to help them. Right now, we are keenly aware of the needs of HIV-positive children left behind in Vietnam. Each year, 100–150 of children who are abandoned in hospitals and orphanages in Ho Chi Minh City test positive for HIV. Thankfully, many of these children will eventually test negative and will be adopted by many wonderful families in the U.S. and other countries. However, there are still many who will never find forever families. Children born and testing positive for HIV in Vietnam are usually placed in a separate part of the orphanage with other children suffering the same fate. The orphanage directors have them tested every three to six months to monitor them and see if they eventually test negative. Often, when a child is born, the positive test only reflects the birthmother’s antibodies. In this case the child will later test negative because he/she is not actually a carrier of the virus but was just exposed to it in vitro. Unfortunately, this is not the future for all children who test positive for HIV; many will always be HIV-positive and face a future of being stricken with AIDS. It is devastating to realize that each month, orphanage directors in Vietnam are finding more and more children testing positive for HIV. Recently, Thuy, our Vietnamese coordinator, told me of one orphanage that just received five new infants and three tested positive for HIV. The orphanage directors and other officials in Vietnam are also very concerned—they know that something more has to be done for these children.
Orphanage for HIV-positive children under construction in Ho Chi Minh City.
The first special orphanage specifically for HIV-positive children, is being established in Ho Chi Minh City. At this orphanage, the children who suffer will receive the specific quality care and attention they desperately need as well as medicine that is critical. The new HIV center will officially open on October 1, 2002. There will be three different parts to the center; one for HIV-positive infants, one for HIV-positive toddlers and one for children with AIDS. CHI was asked to purchase 100 beds for the new facility. There will be three different types of beds; one for infants, one for toddlers and one for older children. How can we not commit to this for the children? The beds will range from $80-$110; we have made the promise to provide these beds. As this project continues, we will work to contribute necessary medications and other critical items that are needed by the center. We are committed to these children, and we hope that our families will join us in this commitment. For information on how to donate, click here. |
