Tanzania

HIV epidemic

By 2007 there were around 22 million adults and children living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.  This AIDS epidemic has orphaned around 11.6 million children. 

Many of these orphans live on the street with no adult guidance, or have only loose connections to extended families, making them hugely vulnerable.   Often the object of pity, they are also in many cases seen as an unwanted burden and suffer from the stigma of their parents’ death. 

School

Basic education paves the way out of poverty and is considered to be one of the most effective means of preventing the spread of HIV.  But while state primary schools in Tanzania are free, the supplies and uniforms are not.  

In addition, children are often removed from school to care for dying family members or assist in generating family income. 

The declining school enrolment is adding to the rapid spread of HIV in African communities.

The system in Tanzania relies on placing orphaned children into institutional care.  However, ignoring the importance of family structure will result in disastrous consequences for African communities and cultures.