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.
Other articles
Nutritional status, psychological well-being and the quality of life of AIDS orphans in rural Henan Province, China
objective To assess the influence of orphanhood due to AIDS on children’s nutritional status, psychological well-being and…
Read moreEquipping Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) With Life Skills Education
Globally, children are experiencing instability, poverty, anxiety, and mental stress through exposure to unfavourable conditions.…
Read moreOrphans of the AIDS epidemic? The extent, nature and circumstances of child-headed households in South Africa
There is widespread concern that the number of children living in “child-headed households” is rapidly increasing as a result…
Read moreEnhancing Psychosocial Support through Positive Youth Development: Narratives from Orphans in Zimbabwe
Due to the AIDS pandemic more and more youths are losing their parents. They are usually left with caregivers and in Zimbabwe…
Read more