HIV and AIDS

National plans of action for orphans and vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa: where are the youngest children?

S. Torfinn / Panos Pictures

This paper examines 17 National Plans of Action for orphans and vulnerable children from the hardest-hit areas in sub-Saharan Africa in order to evaluate their response to the specific needs of young children (generally defined as children under age eight). The 17 countries chosen include Botswana, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The paper summarises each country’s responses to younger children: its definition of vulnerability, whether it includes language supporting young children’s rights, and finally, whether the programming the country advocates is appropriate for ensuring the rights of young children. This analysis does not evaluate the quality of the plans, their implementation, or the adequacy of the amount of funds being requested. Rather, it assesses whether the plans use an age-appropriate lens and a rights perspective.

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