MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS LIVING WITH HIV IN THE ZIGUINCHOR HEALTH DISTRICT

Despite the fact that new HIV infections particularly affect adolescents, the medical and social care of children and adolescents remains a blind spot in public policies. This article attempts to describe the constraints related to managing the disease, as well as its effects on the lived experiences of children and adolescents living with HIV in the health district of Ziguinchor.The data on which it is based were collected through a qualitative survey consisting of semi-structured interviews and observations.Beyond the constraints related to international policies and funding mechanisms for HIV care, our findings reveal explanatory causes for the poor outcomes in medical care among these groups of children and adolescents living with HIV.First, we find causes related to family management and the difficult access to healthcare services for children and adolescents living with HIV. Second, those related to the stigmatization they suffer, just like adults. Finally, the denial or shock following the disclosure of HIV-positive status influences treatment adherence.