The Orphan Crisis in sub-Saharan Africa

AIDS is a central factor in the sub-Saharan African orphan crisis. Of all children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, 80% of them live in sub-Saharan Africa (Unicef 2007). There are more than 9 million double orphans* in sub-Saharan Africa. of these, approximately 56% of them have lost at least one of their parents to HIV/AIDS (UNICEF 2005).

Up to 90% of orphaned children in Southern Africa end up living with extended family. More than 40% of people in sub-Saharan Africa live on less than 1$ a day (UNICEF 2004). Without extra support it is extremely difficult for families to provide suitable care for these orphaned children.

*Double Orphan is the UNICEF term for children who have lost both biological parents. See Orphan FAQ's.