More than words? Action for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Africa

This report examines the progress indicators of the United Nations General Assembly Special Services on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS)’s commitment to HIV/AIDS in 2001 which included specific commitments related to orphans and vulnerable children in Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda and Zambia. Its findings focus on policies and strategies, education, health, nutrition, psychosocial support, family capacity, community capacity and protection issues. The report includes recommendations.


From the executive summary

More than words? is a qualitative investigation of how far the rights and needs of orphans and vulnerable children are being met in four of the worst-affected countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Based on surveys and focus group discussions with children, parents, caregivers and officials in Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda and Zambia, this report offers a timely insight into how far the commitments are being met and provides practical recommendations for action at both national and international level.

This study has found that in all four countries, children orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS are most likely to be missing out in terms of education, health, nutrition and other basic needs. More Than Words? has concluded that orphans and vulnerable children are:

• least likely to be in school
• least likely to have access to healthcare
• least likely to receive normal meals
• least likely to have their basic needs met
• unlikely to be receiving psychosocial or other support
• unlikely to have their births registered
• frequently victims of property grabbing

Given these findings, it is clear that care and support for orphans and vulnerable children must be considered an integral part of national and international response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, not an optional addition. World Vision therefore calls on governments, international institutions and other key duty-bearers to take the following actions at national and international levels.