Orphans and the impact of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa
Wagt, A. de; Connolly, M.
Food, Nutrition and Agriculture 34: 24-31
2005
Document Number: 263819
There are 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the world, 29.4 million of whom are in Africa. By 2010, about 5.8% of all children in the region will be orphaned by AIDS. Children whose parents are sick and dying or have died face various problems beyond the loss of family and identity. AIDS increases poverty in families as time and money are spent to care for sick relatives. Without adequate care and support children are at increased risk of malnutrition and reduced opportunity for education. Orphaned children face increased food insecurity and stigmatization and discrimination, and they may have fewer economic opportunities. They can be exposed to exploitative child labour and abuse and become more vulnerable to HIV infection. This article presents data from several studies in Africa that explore the impact of HIV/AIDS on children's education, food security, nutrition and health, and explores the combined developmental and humanitarian response required to address these challenges.