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Policy exists but vulnerability persists
HEARD researchers have found that despite having a sound national policy framework in place that focuses on orphans and other children made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS (OVCs), vulnerability still persists on a mass level for children living in the Amajuba District in KwaZulu-Natal.
HEARD has run the Amajuba Child Health and Wellbeing Research Project (ACHWRP) since 2003. ACHWRP attempts to facilitate the development of a district-level child welfare management plan.
It is estimated that 55% of children in Amajuba live in impoverished households and 15% are defined as orphans. Food scarcity, access to medication and education are daily challenges facing the children of this tiny district that lies in the north west of KwaZulu-Natal.
In order to address this, HEARD has stressed the need for local government officials and other community leaders to take immediate action in implementing the Amajuba District National Integrated Plan (NIP). The organisation also found that practical mechanisms for managing the well-being of these children had to be urgently developed.
Commenting on the gap between policy and reality Professor Tim Quinlan, HEARD's research director said: "South Africa does not have a good track record with looking after its children. It took ages for government to produce a welfare policy for children that took into account the effects of HIV/AIDS. It seems to be taking even longer for children’s rights to be respected and to ensure that children in poor families actually have access to welfare and health services."
ACHWRP’s advocacy project manager, Luke Potter, said there is an urgent need for local leadership to develop a practical mechanism for managing the well-being of these children. According to Potter the implications of not adopting this integrated approach in dealing with the vulnerability of children are worrying and severe. "What is of concern is that with a 47% HIV prevalence rate and only 1.5% of the total population on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), the situation in Amajuba is only going to get worse."
HEARD has produced a film that highlights the everyday struggles of the Amajuba community in trying to access services and the need to implement an integrated child welfare management plan. Entitled, Keeping the Promises the film suggests that by involving multiple local government departments, municipalities and civil society organisations, the plight of these children can be alleviated. For more information regarding the project or to order your free copy of Keeping the Promises contact Nonhlanhla Mkwena on 034 312 4511 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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