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
“Dancing to the Tune of the Donor”: Donor Funding and Local Implementation of Initiatives to Assist Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in Uganda, 1986 – 2011
This study is an inquiry into the exercise of power in the mainstream development apparatus, drawing from the case example…
Read moreChildren and teenagers living in orphanages victims of violence: dilemmas and nursing perspectives
This article aimed to understand the nursing care provided to children/teenagers victims of violence living in orphanages…
Read moreOrphanhood and self-esteem : an 18-year longitudinal study from an HIV-affected area in Tanzania
Background: The HIV epidemic exacerbated the prevalence of prime-aged adult death in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, resulting…
Read moreGROWTH, NUTRITIONAL, AND DEVELOPMENTAL STATUS OF YOUNG CHILDREN LIVING IN ORPHANAGES IN KAZAKHSTAN
This article describes the nutritional and developmental status of young children living in Baby Houses (orphanages for…
Read more