A generation at risk: psychosocial support for Africa’s children

Over 16 million children worldwide have lost one or both parents to HIV and AIDS, and most of them live in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to those affected by chronic illness and death, many other children are confronted by the challenges of poverty and conflict. These vulnerable children face material hardship, socio-economic disadvantage, social stigma, emotional isolation and psychological trauma. Such consequences carry far-reaching social effects for many countries, and pose a threat to longer-term development. We risk losing a generation of children made vulnerable by poverty, conflict, HIV and AIDS. This year’s Novartis Foundation Symposium invites esteemed speakers and experts to assess and discuss different psychosocial approaches. You can register for free starting at the beginning of October 2012 on the Novartis Foundation website.

• www.novartisfoundation.org