A qualitative assessment of orphans and vulnerable children in two Zimbabwean districts

The provision of universal access to healthcare, a right enshrined in the South African Constitution, is the responsibility of government. Although much progress has been made towards the creation of a national health system which makes 'access to health for all' a reality, much remains to be done.

This report presents the findings of the Behavioural Risks and HIV Sero-Status Survey (BSS) for the Central Serowe Sub-district and Kweneng District in Botswana. The purpose of the survey was to determine the knowledge, attitudes, sexual behaviours, practices, prevention, care and support issues concerning HIV/AIDS among the population in the Central Serowe Sub-district and Kweneng District. Specifically, the survey quantified HIV prevalence, sexual risk behaviours and other practices among adults and children.

In 2002, the Human Sciences Research Council was commissioned by the WK Kellogg Foundation to develop and implement a five-year intervention project focusing on orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in southern Africa. In collaboration with several partner organizations, the project currently focuses on how children, families and communities in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe are coping with the impact of HIV/AIDS. The aim of the project is to develop models of best practise so as to enhance and improve support structures for OVC in the southern African region as a whole.

This short collection of presentations explores the little-known effect of HIV/AIDS on mental health in South Africa and internationally. Contributions came from a round table discussion in March 2003 that brought together academics, NGO workers and government officials from both developed and developing countries.