CARING FOR AIDS ORPHANS: THE EXPERIENCES OF ELDERLY GRANDMOTHER CAREGIVERS AND AIDS ORPHANS

Abstract

Barnett and Blaikie (1992:2) postulate that the advent of the HIV/AIDS phenomenon seems to have caught countries unaware, and there has been virtually no plan to curb and/or prevent this pandemic. The cost involved in the treatment of HIV/AIDS-related diseases, as well as all the research undertaken in an effort to find a cure for the disease, is also taking its toll on the economies of countries, more so in some cases than in others (Barnett & Blaikie, 1992:2-7).Amidst all these economic problems there are also the soci al problems which, if not created by the coming of HIV/AIDS, at least are exacerbated by its presence (Barnett & Blaikie, 1992:2-7). Orphanhood is one such problem that needs careful handling, as it impacts on the youth who are the future generation of every nation.