You are viewing : Vol. 5, Issue 3 Oct - Dec, 2008

Protect the future generation; participate in HIV vaccine research

Robinah Matovu

As HIV continues to kill millions of people around the world, large numbers of children have family members that are living with HIV, or who have died of AIDS. One of the worst effects of the global AIDS epidemic is the number of orphans it has created and continues to create. These children may themselves experience the discrimination that is often associated with HIV. They may also have to care for a sick parent or relative and may have to give up school to become the principle wage earner for the family. When adults fall sick, food still needs to be provided-and the burden of earning money usually falls on the oldest child.

Though grand parents, good samaritans or other extended family members may adopt some AIDS orphans, many are left without any support. Some are taken advantage of by infected people, who may either force them into prostitution or demand sexual favors in return for school fees and the like. At MUWRP we value children. In volunteering to participate in vaccine research aimed at finding a safe and effective HIV vaccine, you are playing a part in protecting the young generation, your children inclusive.

An HIV/AIDS vaccine, when found, may be the only hope of eradicating this epidemic all together. The Christian proverb states, “Train a child the way it should go and when it grows old it will not depart from it”. We believe it is still your duty to protect and train your children to avoid behavior that may put him/her at risk of getting HIV/AIDS. While we do not involve children in HIV vaccine research at MUWRP, you can use the HIV preventive information you get from our clinic to guide and counsel them. We will mind your children in our new play center if you choose to come with them for your visit. When you participate in vaccine research, you will be tested for HIV.

Knowing your sero status will help you plan on whether to have any more children, and if so, how to protect them from the virus. Research Volunteers seeking information on their children’s sero status will be referred to the appropriate health care provider. Those who turn out to be pregnant will also be referred to health care centers where they will access Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV services. We sincerely applaud you ladies and gentlemen for volunteering for HIV vaccine trials, and reassure you that a vaccine may be the only hope we have to protect our children, grandchildren and the entire world against HIV/AIDS.