When they are all full grown...
It’s always good to end the year on an high note – and what better
way than by reporting excellent news from those dedicated HIV doctors who
work with kids infected and affected by HIV in the UK.
In short, they tell us very few babies were born with HIV in the UK last year
and very few now die from Aids-related illness. Meanwhile, a generation of
kids born with HIV in the early nineties are entering their teens with as
many hopes and hormones as their negative peers. And early indications are
that HIV negative children born to HIV positive mums are not experiencing
any significant health problems following exposure to HIV meds.
This is fantastic news and a huge relief for parents. But we also know our
up-beat coverage clashes with the picture elsewhere. Who can forget the mantra:
every minute of every day, a child under 15 is infected with HIV. In the face
of this almost unimaginable statistic, our coverage this month could easily
attract accusations of gross insensitivity.
But we are sure our many thousands of readers in countries where drugs to
prevent mother-to-child transmission are hard to access will not be offended.
Instead we hope and expect them to demonstrate to their governments, doctors,
and to rich nations, what is possible for all children – given the drugs
and political will.
Positive Nation will be back at the end of January. Until then, happy Christmas
and a healthy, hopeful New Year to all our readers, contributors, advertisers
and funders.
Amanda Elliot, managing editor
