HIV/AIDS in South Africa: caring for vulnerable children

Abstract

South Africa currently has the fastest growing HIV/AIDS pandemic in the world. Efforts to manage the plight of children affected by HIV/AIDS have however been thwarted by two ubiquitous factors—poverty and inefficient state services. Caregivers, who are generally not public advocates for children's rights, disguise the state's negligence to respect, fulfill and protect children's rights.

This paper suggests that the caring for HIV/AIDS affected children in South Africa needs to go beyond looking for willing and available members in the community to take on this responsibility. A developmental approach to addressing disparity, forming policies and implementing programmes could help in curtailing the effects of the pandemic.

Keywords:

• civil society
• non-profit sector
• response to HIV/AIDS