Social Development to host conference on assistance to orphans and
vulnerable children made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS, 11 – 14 Jul

3 July 2006

The national Department of Social Development, in collaboration with members
of the National Action Committee for Children Affected by HIV and AIDS (NACCA),
is to host a conference to discuss action to assist children made vulnerable by
HIV and AIDS from 11 to 14 July 2006.

The theme of the conference, to be held at Gallagher Estate, Midrand, is:
“Strengthening Co-ordinated Action for Orphans and other Children made
Vulnerable by HIV and AIDS (OVC)”. It will bring together about 500 delegates
from government and civil society.

Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya, said: “Over the past few
years the country has witnessed an increase in the numbers of orphans and
vulnerable children, including instances where some households are being headed
by children. They have to increasingly assume the role of primary caregivers,
looking after sick parents and younger siblings. Their expectations and rights
to be nurtured, protected and supported, and to have the opportunity to play
like other children, are being compromised. This calls for collective action by
government and civil society, to alleviate the suffering and offer the children
a better future”.

According to Census 2001, the total of households headed by children under
the age of 19 was 248 424. The 2006 conference is a follow up to the first
conference of this nature, held in June 2002, hosted by the Department and the
Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund in partnership with UNICEF, Save the Children
Alliance, the Department of Health, Department of Education and other members
of the National AIDS Children’s Task Team (NACTT, now NACCA).

The conference arrived at far reaching recommendations for implementation by
stakeholders. Since 2002, there have been a number of responses from
government, faith-based organisations, community-based organisations, business
sector and civil society organisations in implementing these recommendations as
well as responding to new challenges that have arisen.

There were also new developments and initiatives geared toward addressing
the socio-economic impact of HIV and AIDS on families and communities such as
the Policy Framework and the National Action Plan for orphans and other
children made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS. However, despite these achievements
and concerted efforts to address the impact of HIV and AIDS on children and
families, much more still needs to be done.

The July 2006 conference will ascertain what progress has been made and
identify achievements and challenges to inform future actions and planning
processes. The conference is an opportunity for networking amongst a wide
variety stakeholders and a stage to address important issues pertaining to
OVC.

Media accreditation

The media are invited to cover the conference. For accreditation purposes,
confirmations should be emailed to jonas.mashigo@socdev.gov.za or
telephone 012 312 7793.

Details:
Date: 11 to 14 July 2006
Time: Commences at 17h00 on 11 July 2006
Venue: Gallagher Estates, Midrand

Enquiries:
Lakela Kaunda
Cell: 082 782 2575

Issued by: Department of Social Development
3 July 2006