As part of their basic human rights, children need access to the best health care possible, safe water to drink, nutritious food, and a clean and safe environment to grow and develop to their full potential. Optimal health, learning and behavior outcomes stem from laying healthy foundations early in life through exposure to the right health care, nutrition, relationships and environment. Whether because of exposure, infection and/or drug effects, HIV impacts health, nutritional, learning and development outcomes. HIV programs need to design and foster approaches that address the multidimensional needs of children living with and/or affected by HIV, recognizing that both exposure and infection carry risks that may affect survival, growth and development for children of different ages.
This is part of a series of 12 policy briefs by the Child Survival Working Group on scaling up key interventions for children and adolescents living with HIV. Learn more.