| Abstract | This paper presents a systematic review of the literature pertaining to orphans and vulnerable
children in sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on research in countries heavily
impacted by HIV/AIDS. Despite study and data limitations, the literature provides evidence
of growing orphan-based disparities, difficulties within households providing care, and
insufficient capacity among social services. Still, additional research is urgently needed,
including better OVC surveillance methods, qualitative data than answers persisting
questions, the inclusion of more useful indicators in national household surveys, and
longitudinal studies to determine the mechanisms by which parental HIV status and death
impacts children, caregiving impacts households, and the orphan epidemic impacts
communities and social systems. |
