Findings printed in the April 23 edition of the journal AIDS support a “family-centered” approach to HIV treatment for children in Africa on antiretroviral therapy, AIDSMap.com reports (aidsmap.com, 5/5).

Investigators at the Sinikithemba HIV/AIDS clinic in South Africa found that HIV-positive children who got care from an HIV-positive adult were less likely to die than children who got care from HIV-negative or untested adults. The investigators say this counters popular beliefs that most families are completely “devastated” or “ravaged” by AIDS.

The investigators write, “[Caregivers] on treatment can instead be sources of unity, continuity and strength for pediatric patients with other HIV-infected family members.”