Skinner, D.; Tsheko, N.; Mtero-Munyati, S.; Segwabe, M.; Chibatamoto, P.

Defining orphaned and vulnerable children
2004, Social Aspects of HIV / AIDS and Health Research Programme, Cape Town, HSRC, p. 24

Keywords : Age Factors; AIDS; Behavior; Child; child care; child rearing; Data Collection; Demographic Factors; Diseases; Economic Factors; Group Interviews; HIV; HIV Infections; Intervention; Interviews; Needs; Organization and Administration; Orphans; Population; Population Characteristics; Programs; Research Methodology; research report; Terminology; Viral Diseases; Youth
Countries : Africa; Botswana; Developing Countries; South Africa; Southern Africa; SOUTHERN AFRICA; Subsaharan Africa; Zimbabwe

Abstract : The importance of considering the situation of children orphaned by AIDS has been made clear - both by the projections of the number of orphans expected, and the lack of adequate caring mechanisms and service structures to support them. However, looking at the situation of these orphans does not address the full scale of the problem, since the epidemic and surrounding poverty are generating a context where large numbers of children are becoming vulnerable. The term 'orphaned and vulnerable children' (OVC) was introduced due to the limited usefulness of the tight definition of the construct of orphanhood in the scenario of HIV/AIDS. This term in turn has its own difficulties, since it is has no implicit definition or clear statement of inclusion and exclusion. It therefore works as a theoretical construct, but requires explanation and definition on the ground. (excerpt)

Notes : English

Web site : http://www.hsrcpublishers.co.za/user_uploads/tblPDF/1946_00_Defining_Orphaned_and_Vulnerable.pdf