Caring with Confidence - Practical information for health workers who prevent and treat HIV infection in children (AHRTAG, 1997, 60 p.): Section 4. Issues for health workers: (introduction...)

Caring with Confidence - Practical information for health workers who prevent and treat HIV infection in children (AHRTAG, 1997, 60 p.)

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Acknowledgements

Introduction

Section 1. How HIV and AIDS affect young children

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1.1 Children infected with HIV

1.2 Children affected by HIV

1.3 Children vulnerable to HIV

Section 2. Preventing HIV infection in young children

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2.1 Mother-to-child transmission

2.2 Preventing and treating HIV infection in women

2.3 Breastfeeding

2.4 Other interventions to reduce transmission

2.5 Transmission through blood transfusion

2.6 Acquired infection

Section 3. Diagnosis, treatment and care

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3.1 Diagnosis and testing of infected children

3.2 Treatment and care

3.3 Affected children

Section 4. Issues for health workers

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4.1 Pressures on health workers

4.2 Preventing transmission in health facilities

4.3 Advising and counselling caregivers

Section 5. Selected resources

Glossary

Appendix 1 - Basic facts about HIV and AIDS

Appendix 2 - Example of a workshop to explore issues around HIV/AIDS and young children

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KEY POINTS

· Health workers face increased pressure and stress because of HIV/AIDS.

· Following recommended safety precautions can reduce the risk of transmission at work.

· Health workers need to consider how to talk to parents and children about HIV, and to help them plan for the future. Living positively with HIV should be emphasised for children as much as for adults.

This Section discusses strategies to address some of the important issues that health and community workers may be concerned about, including talking to caregivers about difficult subjects, lack of resources, stress and workload, and fears about their own safety.