Orphans and vulnerable children in Botswana: the impact of HIV/AIDS

2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Arnab ◽  
P. A. E. Serumaga-Zake
2014 ◽  
Vol 04 (01) ◽  
pp. 27-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dickson Shey Nsagha ◽  
Ngowe Ngowe Marcelin ◽  
Jules Clement Nguedia Assob ◽  
Anna Longdoh Njundah

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 245-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dickson S Nsagha ◽  
Anne-Cécile ZK Bissek ◽  
Sarah M Nsagha ◽  
Jules-Clement N Assob ◽  
Henri-Lucien F Kamga ◽  
...  

HIV/AIDS is a major public health problem in Cameroon and Africa, and the challenges of orphans and vulnerable children are a threat to child survival, growth and development. The HIV prevalence in Cameroon was estimated at 5.1% in 2010. The objective of this study was to assess the burden of orphans and vulnerable children due to HIV/AIDS in Cameroon. A structured search to identify publications on orphans and other children made vulnerable by AIDS was carried out. A traditional literature search on google, PubMed and Medline using the keywords: orphans, vulnerable children, HIV/AIDS and Cameroon was conducted to identify potential AIDS orphans publications, we included papers on HIV prevalence in Cameroon, institutional versus integrated care of orphans, burden of children orphaned by AIDS and projections, impact of AIDS orphans on Cameroon, AIDS orphans assisted through the integrated care approach, and comparism of the policies of orphans care in the central African sub-region. We also used our participatory approach working experience with traditional rulers, administrative authorities and health stakeholders in Yaounde I and Yaounde VI Councils, Nanga Eboko Health District, Isangelle and Ekondo Titi Health Areas, Bafaka-Balue, PLAN Cameroon, the Pan African Institute for Development-West Africa, Save the orphans Foundation, Ministry of Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Public Health. Results show that only 9% of all OVC in Cameroon are given any form of support. AIDS death continue to rise in Cameroon. In 1995, 7,900 people died from AIDS in the country; and the annual number rose to 25,000 in 2000. Out of 1,200,000 orphans and vulnerable children in Cameroon in 2010, 300,000(25%) were AIDS orphans. Orphans and the number of children orphaned by AIDS has increased dramatically from 13,000 in 1995 to 304,000 in 2010. By 2020, this number is projected to rise to 350,000. These deaths profoundly affect families, which often are split up and left without any means of support. Similarly, the death of many people in their prime working years hamper the economy. Businesses are adversely affected due to the need to recruit and train new staff. Health and social service systems suffer from the loss of health workers, teachers, and other skilled workers. OVC due to HIV/AIDS are a major public health problem in Cameroon as the HIV prevalence continues its relentless increase with 141 new infections per day. In partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs and other development organizations, the Ministry of Public Health has been striving hard to provide for the educational and medical needs of the OVC, vocational training for the out-of- school OVC and income generating activities for foster families and families headed by children. A continous multi-sectorial approach headed by the government to solve the problem of OVC due to AIDS is very important. In line with the foregoing, recommendations are proposed for the way forward.


2019 ◽  
Vol 09 (04) ◽  
pp. 195-213
Author(s):  
Adebola A. Adejimi ◽  
Ajibola Olagunoye ◽  
Adeyemi Amuda ◽  
Olubukola Alawale ◽  
Oluwatoyin Adeola-Musa ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Narh Doku

Abstract Background: Child maltreatment and its consequences are considered a major public health concern among children because they can cause significant physical and psychological problems. Child maltreatment is widespread but often underestimated. Surprisingly, there is hardly any data on the frequency of child maltreatment in general and particularly on orphans and vulnerable children in low-income countries. Method: This study employed cross-sectional, quantitative survey that involved 291 children aged 10–17 years in Lower Manya Krobo District, Ghana and examined their exposure to and experience of child maltreatment. The survey also examined parents/caregivers’ exposure and perpetuation of child maltreatment. Results: Some form of maltreatment within the household was reported by approximately 90% of children, and it was significantly higher among orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) as compared with comparison children. Children living with HIV/AIDS-infected parents and orphans of any type reported higher exposure to domestic violence and experienced significantly more neglect, psychological and physical abuse than the comparison children. Conclusion: The results of this survey demonstrate that maltreatment among children affected by HIV/AIDS are not rare, and that the dysfunction family conditions that they find themselves bear systemic risks for maltreatment. It is important that culturally appropriate and evidence-based interventions are implemented to address the maltreatment.


2004 ◽  
Author(s):  

South Africa has seen a rapid increase in HIV prevalence among the general population over the past ten years, from less than 1 percent in 1990 to 20 percent in 2001. As the HIV/AIDS epidemic increases, so do the number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). In 2002, an estimated five million people were living with HIV/AIDS. Because of the average 10-year period between infection and death, even if HIV prevalence declined rapidly, South Africa would still experience an increasing orphan burden for many years to come. By 2010, 16 percent of all children in South Africa will be orphans with more than 70 percent due to AIDS. The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund initiated the Goelama Project, which uses a community mobilization strategy to catalyze action by local organizations and government bodies to prevent HIV infection and mitigate the socioeconomic impacts of the disease, particularly as they affect OVC. This brief highlights key findings from a study of 29,000 members of nearly 5,000 households in eight study sites to identify ways that government and communities can strengthen the socioeconomic capacity of households to care for and support OVC.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document