Zimbabwe: Dramatic increase in child-headed households due to HIV/AIDS |
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According to the national census, Zimbabwe had 50,000 child-headed households in 2002; three years later the figure has jumped to 318,000.
New statistics released by the National AIDS Council (NAC) show that 1.3 million children under the age of 15 years have lost one or both parents due to the virus, and an estimated 240,000 children are believed to be infected.
Despite government efforts to help child-headed households through the NAC and initiatives such as the Basic Educational Assistance Module (BEAM), officials admit their efforts, though well-meaning, have only limited impact.
Through BEAM, NAC assists orphaned children with school fees, school uniforms, stationery and their general upkeep. But the available funds are being overwhelmed by demand, and a soaring cost of living has worsened vulnerability.
NAC is funded by a monthly income tax levy, but unemployment is estimated at 70 percent and rising, reducing revenue. According to the latest audit, NAC has incurred a budget deficit of Zim $41 billion (US $3.5 million) on its projected earnings.
The slightly more than 50 registered child-care centres nationwide can only cater for a total of about 5,000 children at any given time.
NAC executive director Tapuwa Magure said his cash-strapped agency had turned to mobilising communities to strengthen the extended family and encourage fostering children orphaned by AIDS.
But this is far from easy, as seven years of unrelieved economic crisis has taken its toll on the resilience of family ties in Zimbabwe.
Source: IRIN - UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
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page last updated on 17.11.2005
