The orphan in Zambia is increasing daily as a result of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The 1996 Living Conditions and Monitoring Survey (LCMS) concluded that 13 % (approximately 550,000) of Zambian children are single and double orphans. The report states that the proportion of children who are orphaned increases with age, from around 4% of 0- 4 year olds and 19% or 10 - 15 year olds and 23% of 15 - 18 year olds. The country has also been hit by high poverty levels, and it is estimated that 76% of Zambians live below the poverty datum line.

All social and economic indicators clearly show that an increasing percentage of the population is becoming marginalized, particularly women and children. They are further being impoverished through a number of economical constraints', lack of social services, and inadequate nutrition. As a result extended families are unable to take care of the dead relatives children, as they are already over-stretched with their own large families' needs. Subsequently, orphaned children end up drifting to the streets to fend for themselves.

It is estimated that in 1996 that there were 75,000 street children and that 7% of these children had no home to return to.

Article 39 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child, states that all children who have been neglected, abused, or exploited should be assisted in their recovery and re-integrated into society and that this should take place in an environment which fosters health, food, life skills, education, clothes, counselling, self-respect and dignity.

This site was updated on 29th September 2003

Hosted by