AIDS Orphans Get a Hard Knock From Life

August 12 is International Youth Day.

At the end of 2001, more than 13 million children under the age of 15 in Africa, Asia, and Latin America had lost a parent to AIDS. More than 11 million of these children live in Africa. "Double orphans"—those who have lost both parents—are on the rise. The number of double orphans who have lost at least one parent to AIDS is expected to increase from 3.8 million in 2001 to 6.9 million in 2010.

AIDS orphans face particular hardships. In addition to tremendous physical and emotional insecurity, many also face stigma and discrimination. Without foster care, many children are forced to live on the streets. Sexual exploitation and drug use heighten the risk that orphaned street children will contract the same virus that their parents succumbed to.

Source:

Orphans Increase Due to AIDS Deaths, Vital Signs 2003, pp. 110-111.

Worldwatch Links:

Vital Signs 2003 press release
More research from Worldwatch

Additional Resources:

UNICEF Statistics: HIV/AIDS