AIDS orphans in South Africa

An orphan is defined as someone under 18 years old who has lost either one or both parents. If they have lost one parent, they are called a "single" orphan. If they have lost both parents, they are called a "double" orphan.

In 2008 there were 1.5 million Aids orphans according to South Africa's health department.

Estimates show that by 2015, some 5.7 million or 32% of all children in South Africa would have lost one or both parents due to HIV/Aids.

The vast majority of double orphans live with their grandmother or other extended family members. While these relatives are entitled to claim foster care grants for looking after the children, many do not know about this or are unable to gather all the paperwork or find a social worker to assist them with this.

Nearly 495 000 Aids orphans are in foster care, most with extended family members. The government is encouraging more adoptions so orphans can have permanent families. But only 1900 orphans were adopted by South Africans last year and international rules on adoption prevent adoption by Americans and make it difficult for other inter-country adoption.