Why are majority of AIDS orphans HIV negative?

Answer 1

It is estimated that less than 40% of babies born to HIV+ women are infected at birth. Less are subsequently infected through breastfeeding. Having said that, the ranges vary from developed to developing countries. In developed countries, the range is 15-30%, and higher in developing countries. Various factors play a role in this, including the mother's baseline health during/at/after pregnancy, etc. These numbers are MUCH lower with use of drugs in prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT), mother's viral load, etc.

Bottom line, not all babies born to HIV+ mothers are infected. I would hesitate to use the term 'majority' because it indirectly implies that MTCT is not much of a problem, when it is!

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

HIV in babies is actually acquired during the child's birth. Therefore there has been a couple of methods that have been used to remarkably reduce the chances of infection during birth. These methods include birth by ceaserian section, and not breastfeeding the child.
Another conventional method that has really reduced the chances of infection to less than 1% is the PMTCT( Prevention of Mother to child transmission). This method has almost completely eliminated the chances if infection for the unborn baby.
This coupled with safe feeding methods has created an influx in the number of HIV negative babies born to HIV positive mothers.

Answer 3

HIV is actually difficult to get. You have to really work at it, or be exceptionally unlucky to get the virus.

Answer 4

because probably they have not had the disease long enough / or it has not matured enough into full blown HIV.
AIDS is the disease
HIV is the virus. I think that is it, research it if you want to know more.