The Situation at National/Regional Level

This section focuses on the situation affecting children and young people as a result of HIV/AIDS in particular countries and regions. Many of the documents describe experience in a particular country. These are arranged in alphabetical order of country/region.

Most of the documents concentrate on quantifying the number of children affected and on describing the various effects of HIV/AIDS on children. One paper seeks to use the Convention on the Rights of the Child as a framework to assess the situation of children in Ethiopia.

See also the situation affecting children and young people and families and communities . Key points about the situation at national and regional level are that:

1. Different countries are affected to different degrees, depending on the stage of their epidemic. Countries in southern and eastern Africa have been particularly badly affected.

2. In the past, many countries had reduced death rates among infants and children under five years of age. This has changed in recent years, due to AIDS.

3. HIV/AIDS is having a wide range of social impacts on all areas of life, for example, health and education services.

4. HIV/AIDS is badly affecting economic productivity. This can be seen in measures of national economic growth, such as gross domestic product (GDP).

5. Severely affected countries are seeing a wide range of grassroots, community-based responses to the problems caused by HIV/AIDS.

How countries are affected

Countries differ from each other regarding HIV/AIDS. The epidemic started earlier in some countries than others. It is also more severe in some countries than others. A number of different types of situation exist:

  • Countries with severe epidemics which show no sign of improving , such as Zambia and Zimbabwe. These countries have large numbers of orphans and other children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS.
  • Countries which had severe epidemics but have made progress in controlling them , such as Uganda and Thailand. Despite progress made in reducing the number of new people being infected with HIV, these countries still face problems with large numbers of children orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS
  • Countries with rapidly developing epidemics, such as India and China. These countries may currently have relatively few children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. However, there is a fear that the number of children orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS will rise rapidly in the near future
  • Countries which have avoided a severe epidemic , such as Senegal. These countries have avoided some of the problems associated with rises in the number of orphans and other vulnerable children as a result of HIV/AIDS.

Social changes

Many problems occur in countries as a result of HIV/AIDS. The progress that was made in improving child survival indicators, such as infant and under-five mortality, has been reversed. A wide variety of social changes have been seen including:

Economic effects of HIV/AIDS on nations have not been well documented. However, it appears that severe HIV epidemics have a serious effect on measures of national economic performance, such as gross domestic product (GDP).

However, the picture is not completely negative. Many countries which have been severely affected by HIV/AIDS are seeing a wide range of responses at community and grassroots level .

Resources

Children Affected by HIV/AIDS: Appraisal of Needs and Resources in Cambodia (Eng)

This report summarises the findings of a qualitative appraisal of needs and resources for children affected by AIDS and explains what makes children vulnerable in Cambodia and how HIV/AIDS affects children's vulnerability.
Khana, The International HIV/AIDS Alliance, 2000, PDF, 74 pages

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Helping children in the time of HIV and AIDS (Eng)

One of three booklets aimed at various sectors and individuals who want to help children in the time of HIV and AIDS.
Children's Institute, University of Cape Town, 2004, PDF, 1660kb, 12 pages

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Heroes of our time: Health workers helping children (Eng)

One of three booklets aimed at various sectors and individuals who want to help children in the time of HIV and AIDS.
Children's Institute, University of Cape Town, 2004, PDF, 476kb, 12 pages

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Service Providers working together in the time of HIV/AIDS (Eng)

One of three booklets aimed at various sectors and individuals who want to help children in the time of HIV and AIDS.
Children's Institute, University of Cape Town, 2004, PDF, 488kb, 12 pages

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Research summary: The Well-Being of Children Affected By HIV/AIDS in Lusaka, Zambia, and Gitarama Province, Rwanda: Findings from a Study

This short report summarises findings from a study investigating educational, socioeconomic, health and nutritional and psychosocial well-being of children affected by HIV and AIDS
Community Reach Program, PACT, 2005, PDF, 316KB, 4 pages

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Conducting a Participatory Situation Analysis of Orphans and Vulnerable Children Affected by HIV/AIDS: Guidelines and Tools (Eng)

Family Health International's important new resource for improving the lives of OVC - a powerful tool that builds on experiences from FHI's OVC work in the developing world.
FHI/IMPACT/USAID, 2005, PDF, 2530kb, 210 pages

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Conduite d'une analyse de situation participative sur les orphelins et enfants vulnerables affectes par le VIH/SIDA: Prinicipes directeurs et outils (Fr)

La nouvelle ressource de FHI pour l’amélioration de la qualité de vie des Orphelin et Enfants Vulnérables (OEV) – un outil puissant qui se base sur l’expérience accumulée par FHI dans son travail avec les OEV dans les pays en voie de développement.
FHI/IMPACT/USAID, 2005, PDF, 2530kb, 210 pages

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China: AIDS, Public Policy and Child Wellbeing: Chapter 9: Limiting the Future Impact of HIV/AIDS on Children in Yunnan (Eng)

This document is a major publication which looks at the various impacts of HIV/AIDS on child well-being globally. This document is the ninth chapter and is the eighth of eight country case studies. This one looks at China focusing on Yunnan province.
China HIV/AIDS Socio-Economic Impact Study Team, UNICEF, 2002, PDF, 55 pages, 443 kb.

Côte d'Ivoire: AIDS, Public Policy and Child Wellbeing: Chapter 5: HIV/AIDS, Lagging Policy Response and the Impact on Children: The Case of Côte d'Ivoire (Eng)

This document is a major publication which looks at the various impacts of HIV/AIDS on child well-being globally. This document is the fifth chapter and is the fourth of eight country case studies. This one looks at Côte d'Ivoire and its HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Pétagatiénan, J.H. and Blibolo, D.A., UNICEF, 2002, PDF, 104 pages, 604 kb.

Ethiopia: Orphan Alert: International Perspectives on Children Left Behind by HIV/AIDS: A Mounting Crisis: Children Orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Semiurban Ethiopia (Eng)

This report was prepared for the International AIDS Conference held in Durban, South Africa in July 2000. It aims to raise the profile of affected children on the global agenda, and to foster effective action for them.
Segu, M. and Wolde-Yohannes, S., Association Francois-Xavier Bagnoud, 2000, PDF, 5 pages, 27 kb.

Ethiopia: The Situation of Orphan and other Vulnerable Children in Ethiopia: Salient Discussion Points at the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Workshop on Orphan and Vulnerable Children (Eng)

This report starts by looking at the magnitude of the situation facing children in Ethiopia as a result of HIV/AIDS and other issues.
Assefa, M., Work, Y. and Chernet, T., Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs/PACT, 2000, PDF, 6 pages, 199 kb.

Ethiopia: Orphans and Vulnerable Children Affected by HIV/AIDS: Policy vs Practice Review for Ethiopia (Eng)

This paper seeks to analyze the situation faced by orphans and vulnerable children in Ethiopia when compared with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
SCF, 2001, PDF, 45 pages, 574 kb.

Haiti: The Situation of Orphans in Haiti: A Summary Assessment (Eng)

Haiti is a poor country with a severe HIV/AIDS epidemic. This FHI Impact study conducted in April 2000 looks at issues facing orphans and vulnerable children in the country.
FHI Impact, PDF, 46 pages, 153 kb.

India: Orphan Alert: International Perspectives on Children Left Behind by HIV/AIDS: A Looming Crisis: Orphans in India before the Impacts of HIV/AIDS (Eng)

This report was prepared for the International AIDS Conference held in Durban, South Africa in July 2000. It aims to raise the profile of affected children on the global agenda, and to foster effective action for them.
Chakraboty, J., Chrisstie, M. and Zomingthanga, J., Association Francois-Xavier Bagnoud, 2000, PDF, 6 pages, 40 kb.

India: Orphan Alert 2: Children of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: The Challenge for India (Eng)

This paper draws attention to the likely problems which will be faced by India in dealing with the effects of its HIV/AIDS epidemic on children in the country.
Monk N., Association Francois-Xavier Bagnoud, 2002, PDF, 63 pages, 457 kb.

Kenya: AIDS, Public Policy and Child Wellbeing: Chapter 3: The Impact of a Growing HIV/AIDS Epidemic on the Kenyan Children (Eng)

This document is a major publication which looks at the various impacts of HIV/AIDS on child well-being globally. This document is the third chapter and is the second of eight country case studies. This one looks at Kenya and is based on a review of three surveys and simulation studies.
Basaza, R. and Kaija, D., UNICEF, 2002, PDF, 25 pages, 85 kb.

Malawi: Starting from Strengths: Community Care for Orphaned Children in Malawi (Eng)

This research report presents some of the findings of a partnership project linking universities, NGO's, government ministries and UN agencies in Canada and Malawi.
Cook, P.H., Ali, S. and Munthali, A., International Development Resource Centre (IDRC), 2000, PDF, 45 pages, 362 kb.

Malawi: A Rapid Appraisal of the Orphan Situation in Malawi: Issues, Challenges and Prospects (Eng)

This paper was first presented at a conference in Uppsala in September 2001. It describes the situation affecting children orphaned by HIV/AIS in Malawi.
Maluwa-Banda, D. and Bandawe, C.R., University of Malawi, 2001, PDF, 18 pages, 144 kb.

Malawi: Community Perceptions of Orphan Care in Malawi (Eng)

This paper documents the results of the 'Starting from Strength' research project which was started in Malawi in 1997.
Ali, S., 1998, PDF, 19 pages, 184 kb.

Senegal: Recherche - Action sur les Enfants Vulnérables à l'Infection a VIH (Fr)

This paper reports on a study conducted in Senegal looking at vulnerability of children to HIV infection.
Mbaye, S.M., CEGID/ANCS/FHI/PNLS, 2001, PDF, 43 pages, 273 kb.

Senegal: AIDS, Public Policy and Child Wellbeing: Chapter 4: The Socio-economic Impact of HIV/AIDS on Children in a Low Prevalence Context: The Case of Senegal (Eng)

This document is a major publication which looks at the various impacts of HIV/AIDS on child well-being globally. This looks at Senegal and considers the impact of both HIV/AIDS and the response to it on children based on work at 7 research sites and a literature review.
Niang, C.I. and Van Ufford, P.Q., UNICEF, 2002, PDF, 27 pages, 96 kb.

Senegal: Atelier Regional D'Afrique De L'ouest et du Centre Sur Les Orphelins et Enfants Rendus Vulnérables par le SIDA: Rapport de la Délégation Sénégalaise;

This is the Senegal delegation's report concerning the situation for orphans and other vulnerable children in Senegal made to a regional workshop held in Cote d'Ivoire in 2002.
Cissé, A., Fall, A., Diouf, C., Mbaye, N. and Kassé, S., MFPE, ANCS, SWAA, Synergie pour l'Enfance, FHI, 2002, PDF, 47 pages, 295 kb.

South Africa: Children Living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa (Eng)

This Save the Children publication describes the situation of children affected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa and some of the responses to the situations they face.
Smart, R., Save the Children UK, 2001, PDF, 97 pages, 1000 kb.

South Africa: The Impact of HIV/AIDS on Orphaned Children in KwaZulu Natal (Eng)

This paper uses computer modeling to forecast the impacts of HIV/AIDS on children in KwaZulu Natal.
Wood, G. and Mason, B., Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, 1997, PDF, 16 pages, 359 kb.

South Africa: AIDS, Public Policy and Child Wellbeing: Chapter 6: The Current and Future Impact of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic on South Africa's Children (Eng)

This document is a major publication which looks at the various impacts of HIV/AIDS on child well-being globally. This looks at South Africa and the impact of its AIDS epidemic on children, the responses to this and offers suggestions for how these might be improved.
Desmond, C. and Gow, J., UNICEF, 2002, PDF, 47 pages, 390 kb.

Southern Africa: Impact of HIV on Children in Southern Africa (Eng)

This short paper starts by reviewing the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and its effects on children.
Germann, S., REPSSI, 2002, PDF, 176 kb.

Tanzania: A Situation Analysis of Orphans and other Vulnerable Children in Mwanza Region, Tanzania (Eng)

This is a very detailed analysis of the situation facing children orphaned by AIDS in the Mwanza region of Tanzania.
Whitehouse, A., CRS/Kivuline Women's Rights Organization, 2002, PDF, 84 pages, 747 kb.

Thailand: AIDS, Public Policy and Child Wellbeing: Chapter 7: Perinatal Mortality and Orphanhood in the Aftermath of the Successful Control of the HIV Epidemics: The Case of Thailand (Eng)

This document is a major publication which looks at the various impacts of HIV/AIDS on child well-being globally. This one looks at Thailand and reports that it is widely seen as a country which has responded effectively to HIV because the number of new infections has declined.
Janjaroen, W.S. and Khamnan, S., UNICEF, 2002, PDF, 70 pages, 732 kb.

Uganda: Community-based Paediatric HIV/AIDS Survey - Kasese District, Uganda, 2002 (Eng)

This detailed report documents a study carried out in Kasese district which sought to analyse the situation with respects to HIV/AIDS and children.
Wamai, G. and Barton, T., SCF-UK, 2002, PDF, 89 pages, 1342 kb.

Uganda: The Social Consequences of HIV/AIDS in Uganda (Eng)

This is an early report on the situation facing orphans in Uganda based on a study conducted in 4 districts of Uganda.
Dunn, A., Hunter, S., Nabongo, C. and Ssekiwanuka, J., SCF-UK, 1992, PDF, 21 pages, 193 kb.

Uganda: AIDS, Public Policy and Child Wellbeing: Chapter 2: The Impact of HIV/AIDS on Children: Lights and Shadows in the 'Successful Case' of Uganda (Eng)

This document is a major publication which looks at the various impacts of HIV/AIDS on child well-being globally. This one looks at Uganda and the impacts of HIV/AIDS on children in that country, particularly in the health, education and social welfare sectors.
Basaza, R. and Kaija, D., UNICEF, 2002, PDF, 73 pages, 245 kb.

Uganda: Situation Analysis of Orphans in Uganda: Orphans and their Households: Caring for their Future Today (Eng)

This is an extremely comprehensive report of the situation facing orphans in Uganda.
Wakhweya, A., Kateregga, C., Konde-Lule, J., Mukyala, R., Sabin, L., Williams, M. and Heggenhougen, H.K.,  Ugandan Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development/Uganda AIDS Commission , 2002, PDF, 316 pages, 6440 kb. 

Zambia: The Orphan Crisis in Zambia (Eng)

This is a brief but passionate plea directed at Catholic and other faith communities to take the issues of children being orphaned by AIDS in Zambia seriously.
Kelly, M., Jesuit Center for Theological Reflection Bulletin, 2001, PDF, 3 pages, 115 kb.

Zimbabwe: Children Affected by AIDS in Zimbabwe (Eng)

This is a detailed assessment of children affected by HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe.

Young people and HIV/AIDS: Responding to the new Asian crisis (Eng)

This report illustrates approaches used by SC UK to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS on children across South and South-East Asia and how they work with children to prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS.
Save the Children UK, 2001, PDF, 436kb, 43 pages

Ethiopia: Transitioning from institutional care of orphans to community based care: The experience of Ethiopia's Jerusalem Associateion Children's Homes (Eng)

This chapter discusses transitioning from institutional care of orphans to community based care, drawing on the experience of Ethiopia's Jerusalem Associateion Children's Homes.
Association Francois-Xavier Bagnoud F, Mulugeta Gebru and Rebecca Atnafou, 2000, 3 pages, 17 kb