New Research Report: The needs of orphans and vulnerable children in South Africa

This research was commissioned by the South African National Department of Health to inform an appropriate and co-ordinated response to the needs of children made vulnerable in the context of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in South Africa.

The project was designed as a multi-site qualitative research project, based in 6 research sites across 5 of South Africa's 9 provinces. Information was collected through a combination of participatory research activities, interviews, focus group discussions and observation with a range of research participants, including members of 118 households (130 caregivers and 65 children between the ages of 7 and 18 years), and over 70 service organisations.

Apart from the commonality of the impact of illness/death, the households were heterogeneous in terms of form, dependency ratios, income, access to services and support and care arrangements. The research documented the impact of AIDS-related morbidity and mortality on: household form and care arrangements; types and level of responsibility that children assume for domestic chores and caregiving; children's access to basic services; school drop out and attendance rates; and on service providers.

The research raises several key issues in relation to a service response to the needs of children experiencing orphanhood and demonstrates how the impact of HIV/AIDS and orphanhood on children is compounded in contexts of poverty. The life experiences of research participants illustrate how the sharing of burdens and resources between households is an important coping strategy. However, where levels of adult mortality are rapidly increasing, the burden of exacerbated poverty and HIV/AIDS is felt collectively, changing household form and weakening this social safety net.

The research report emphasises the value of collaborative partnerships within and between sectors and urges the state and development agencies to seek mechanisms to facilitate and reward approaches to service delivery that foster collaboration.

The recommendations highlight the urgent need for a response that: makes substantially more financial and professional resources available to ensure the sustainability of the social safety net; recognises and strengthens the support systems that are already in place; and is grounded within a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy.

This report was produced by Sonja Giese, Helen Meintjies, Rhain Croke and Ross Chamberlain of the Children's Institute, University of Cape Town, and can be accessed here: http://www.uct.ac.za/depts/ci