A recent homogeneous definition: a reference for the international community

The new estimates are based on the following definitions recently adopted by UNAIDS:

• Maternal orphans are children under age 18 whose mothers, and perhaps fathers, have died (includes double orphans).
• Paternal orphans are children under age 18 whose fathers, and perhaps mothers, have died (includes double orphans).
• Double orphans are children under 18 whose mothers and fathers have died.

(UNAIDS/UNICEF/ Children on the Brink; 2004)

Total orphans are children under age 18 whose mothers or fathers (or both) have died. The total number of orphans is equal to the sum of maternal orphans and paternal orphans, minus double orphans (because they are counted in both the maternal and paternal categories). This definition provides more objective estimates of orphans. UNICEF, UNAIDS et al., 2004

Nevertheless, it is important to mention that the definition of an orphan is meaningful if it is related to the age of the child. The illness or the death of a parent has different effects on children, depending on a child’s age and stage of development. By contrast, policies and programs on behalf of children tend to regard them as a “homogeneous and undifferentiated group.” Thus, UNAIDS recently adopted a new approach adapted to the child’s stage of development using an age-related classification of orphans:

• Infancy and early childhood
• Middle childhood
• Adolescence

This approach should improve planning of national policies and interventions as it responds better to the realities experienced by children UNICEF, UNAIDS et al., 2004. Another factor impacting orphans and other children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS needs consideration: the nature/identity of their caregivers. Large differences exist between orphans whether they are cared for by extended families, foster parents, community caregivers, child-headed households, and institutional care Nyambedha, Wandibba et al., 2003.

A classification system exists for orphans according to their caregiver’s identity, such as:

• The surviving parent
• Grandparents
• Uncles and aunts
• Siblings
• Stepmothers
• Persons outside of the family
  

This system of classification distinguishes the family both on the mother’s and father’s side Nyambedha, Wandibba et al., 2003.

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