Development Southern Africa 25(1):61-73 Scaling up support for children in HIV-affected families by involving early childhood development workers: community views from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Type
E-Journal
Authors
ISSN
1470-3637
Category
ECCE, Preschool
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Publication Year
2008
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Online, London, United Kingdom
URL
[ private ]
Pages
13 p.
Subject
Early childhood development, ECD services, Practitioners, HIV and Aids, Orphans, Vulnerable children, Children’s health, Rural communities, Traditional healers, Training, Early childhood care, South Africa
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Abstract
The United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS estimates that South Africa has 1.2 million orphans as a result of AIDS. This study investigated the views of communities in KwaZulu-Natal on the potential use of early childhood development (ECD) practitioners for helping children in vulnerable households. It reports on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with community members and service providers in six different areas of KwaZulu-Natal. Despite the increase in the numbers of deaths, people in affected areas have yet to accept that HIV is the cause. Stigma, denial, myths and witchcraft beliefs were evident, particularly in the rural areas. There was general agreement by the respondents that ECD practitioners with additional training specific to HIV/AIDS could assist families if cost difficulties were overcome. As community members with basic training in childcare, they could enhance community responses by linking with community health workers and other service providers to assist children and households in need.
Description
Article
Number of Copies
1
