Sociodemographic profile of children affected by AIDS in Addis Abeba.

A survey was conducted in Addis Abeba between October 2, 1993 and December 10, 1993 to assess orphanhood due to AIDS deaths. It was possible to trace only 1,047 AIDS cases among residents of Addis Abeba. During the survey, 59% of the cases and 16% of their spouses were already dead. The total number of children born to the index cases were 2186, among which, 883 (40.4%) were below 15 years of age. Two hundred eighty (30.4%) of these children had lost either one or both parents. Other social problems include ill health in 10.5% among which 3.9% had AIDS; 14.1% were school dropouts. There were also children who faced abandonment, displacement and who lacked medical care at the time of their illness. The existing coping mechanism seems to be relying on the extended family, which is an important social support system. However, there is a need to raise community awareness and strengthen the system to enhance the effort in protecting and supporting children affected by AIDS.