Premium Content:

A good news story: Camp for kids with HIV closes as there are so few kids who are born with HIV

Summer camp is a big part of being a kid in the USA. Parents get some child free time by sending kids off to summer camp, and children make friends, learn independence and develop other skills.

For the last three decades One Heartland, a camp in Minnesota, has provided a space for kids are living with HIV to connect and spend time together.

- Advertisement -

The Minnesota Star Tribune has shared the news that the camp will be closing down because nowadays, thanks to medical advancements, so few children are being born with HIV or contracting the virus.

In the USA the number of mother’s who are living with HIV who pass the virus on to their newborns is now less than one percent. The dramatically different figures to those recorded in the 1980s and 1990s is attributed to improvements in antiretroviral medications.

On a global scale the number of children living with HIV is also rapidly declining. The World Health Organisation says new infections among children up to the age of 14 have also declined by 38% since 2015, and AIDS relayed deaths have also fallen by 43%.

The camp in Minnesota was founded by Neil Willenson in 1993 when he was just 22 years old. He wanted to create a space for kids living with HIV after meeting a friend’s child.

At first, they rented camp sites in different locations, but they encountered stigma and discrimination. So, with the help of generous benefactors, they bought their own property. Children were flown to Minnesota from around the world to attend the camp.

That there’s no longer a need for the camp’s original purpose “is the greatest story that I ever could have imagined,” Willenson told the newspaper. “It’s something I never could have predicted.”

Head across to the The Minnesota Star Tribune to read this story.

Latest

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.

Film star Val Kilmer dead at 65

The actor was one of the biggest stars of the 1980s and 1990s.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.

Film star Val Kilmer dead at 65

The actor was one of the biggest stars of the 1980s and 1990s.

British comedian Jimmy Carr to play RAC Arena

The British comedian is playing stacks of shows across Australia.

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.