CHILDREN WITH HIV

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CHILDREN WITH HIV

21.

Ms Braema Mathiaparanam asked the Acting Minister for Health (a) what is the number of children with HIV in Singapore; and (b) whether his Ministry will consider subsidising the Anti-Retroviral (ARV) drug for these children.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: From 1985 to end-2003, a total of 18 children have been reported to be HIV infected. Of these, four have died, three have full blown AIDS and 11 are asymptomatic carriers. In 2003, of the 242 new cases of AIDS in Singapore, only 1 case was a child.

HIV/AIDS patients do get subsidised inpatient and outpatient care in our public hospitals and polyclinics.

Children are innocent victims of AIDS. KKH has worked hard to ensure that these children get the best treatment. Singaporeans have been compassionate and have contributed generously to funds that help pay for such children's treatment. The KK Outreach to Kids fund helps pay for antiretroviral drugs when indicated, medications for HIV-related infections, laboratory tests and hospitalisation charges. This fund currently assists nine children.

In addition, Action for AIDS, an NGO provides financial assistance to HIV infected patients - both adults and children. It has provided financial assistance for one child.

There are adequate funding mechanisms and subsidy to help pay for treatment of AIDS, including anti-retroviral drugs, for children.