Children recently delivered a clear message to decision-makers in Vietnam: young people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS should have a life without stigma and discrimination, with easier access to counseling, healthcare and education support.
Sixty children aged 10-16 from Hanoi, Bac Giang, Hai Phong, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, and An Giang delivered the messages at a National Children Forum on care, support and treatment for children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS held in Hanoi on January 17-19.

They represented thousands of children nation-wide who have contracted HIV and AIDS from their parents or whose parents died or were infected with the disease.  

"I have lived with my grandmother since my parents died of HIV and AIDS. My former teacher doesn't let any of my classmates play with me,"  My Linh*, who is living with HIV, told about her life at the event on January 19. She is studying Grade 3 in An Giang.

Children infected and affected by HIV and AIDS have experienced many negative impacts as a results of the disease, including trauma and depression, narrower access to education and healthcare, declining household incomes and stigma and discrimination from their relatives and others in their communities.

All of these prevent the fulfilment of children's rights to survival, development and participation in social networks, as well as protection from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

One of the most frequently violated rights for children is to access basic services, especially health care, education and social protection.

At the forum, Hang and her friends made wishes for a friendly world for children infected and affected by HIV and AIDS through role-plays, stories, poems, songs and fashions shows.

They also asked and made recommendations with leaders from the central government, local and international organizations about issues relating to children and HIV in order to reduce the impacts on the disease on their lives.      

Key messages from the forum will be documented and sent to the Government agencies.

"The forum gave children a chance to voice up their thoughts and desires with policy makers," said Deputy Minster of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs Dam Huu Dac. "We should listen to them to make sure that proper care and protection is given to all children, including those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS."

Statistics released by the Ministry of Health showed that Vietnam now has around 300,000 people living with HIV and AIDS, with more than 30 new cases detected each day. The ministry reported that some 2,000 children have been infected with HIV by their parents while 300,000 others are affected by the disease.   

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The National Children Forum is a joint advocacy initiated by Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA), Save the Children UK and World Vision. It seeks not only to provide a podium for children's views but also to ensure their active roles in the development and implementation of policies and programs relating to HIV and AIDS.

By bringing to the fore the views and experiences of children who have been infected and affected by HIV, the event is expected to create a positive impact on policies within government and international organizations.

Before the National Forum, MOLISA, Save the Children UK and World Vision held a series of provincial forums with participation of 150 children in the six provinces and cities from July to August 2007.

* name changed for child protection