Care of Orphans: Fostering Interventions for Children Whose Parents Die of AIDS in Ghana

Abstract

One of the devastating social problems associated with HIV/AIDS is the increasing number of children who are orphaned within relatively short periods of time. The increasing number of orphans resulting from AIDS calls for a review of the support and care systems available for them. This article addresses fostering as a traditional care and support system for orphans in Ghana, especially those whose parents have died of AIDS. Strengthening of, and support for, foster care through governmental and community efforts is advocated. The enormous nature of the burden of care and support for such orphans calls for individual, community, societal, and even global efforts.