Public policies and the orphans of AIDS in Africa

Abstract


International help to care for Africa's orphans is essential not only for their immediate welfare but also to protect the long term prosperity of these countries. A researcher in child health and former Ugandan government peace minister assess how to make the best use of resources.
The AIDS epidemic is wreaking havoc in sub-Saharan Africa. The HIV seroprevalence among young adults is nearly 40% in some countries,1 and millions of children have lost their parents. Although the extended family can alleviate these children's plight, it is unrealistic to assume that the children can escape from poverty without massive support from agencies such as the World Bank and the United States Agency for International Development. We visited Ethiopia, Malawi, and Tanzania in March 2002 as consultants to the World Bank to assess the ongoing programmes and to suggest strategies for improving child welfare. This article outlines our findings from visiting over 20 non-governmental organisations and national ministries responsible for caring for orphans of AIDS. 



Alok Bhargava Betty Bigombe | source: The BMJ 582 |
Categories: Protection Health Care


Other articles

Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Children Living in Orphanages in the City of Douala, Cameroon

Introduction: Malnutrition is characterised by metabolic disturbances identified by measurement of anthropometric and biological…

Read more

Emotional Development and Nutritional Status of HIV/AIDS Orphaned Children Aged 6–12 Years Old in Thailand

Objective To explore the emotional development and nutritional status of HIV/AIDS orphans by their infection status. Methods…

Read more

National Orphans and a Nation's Trauma: Experience, Emotions, and the Children of the 1916 Easter Rising Martyrs

This article begins the work of recovering and understanding children’s unique experiences during the Irish Revolution by…

Read more

Social justice implications for educational psychologists working with orphans and vulnerable children in South Africa

The aim of this article is to discuss the social justice implications for educational psychologists working with orphans…

Read more