Orphans in Mozambique Struggle to Escape Cycle of Poverty and HIV

3 Feb 2009 - In the News

According to a report by PlusNews, rapidly increasing numbers of young AIDS orphans are being caught in “a vicious cycle” of HIV and poverty in Mozambique. More than 380,000 children have already lost their parents to AIDS-related illness and UNICEF estimates that an additional 650,000 will be orphaned within the next two years.

Most of these children are forced to drop out of school in order to earn an income, with many turning to agricultural work or informal commerce to make ends meet. Girls are particularly vulnerable in these situations and are at an increased risk for physical, psychological and sexual abuse, putting them at a higher risk of HIV infection.

The government of Mozambique has responded to this crisis by ramping up efforts to support vulnerable orphans though safe income-generating projects, rehabilitation centers offering health care and psycho-social support, and other community-driven outreach programs. Mozambique's First Lady, Maria da Luz Guebuza stressed the importance of this assistance, asserting that, "support at the community level plays a fundamental role in assuring that children will receive necessary care and that their rights will be respected”.