National summit on orphans to be held

A POLICY dealing with the national crisis of orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) is scheduled to be launched at a national conference in February.

Cabinet has announced that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Welfare is to co-ordinate a national implementation campaign. At its meeting on August 17, Cabinet noted that the issue of caring for orphans and vulnerable children is one of Namibias most pressing social concerns.According to the 2001 census, there were more than 115 000 orphans in Namibia 75 per cent because of HIV-AIDS.Civil organisations estimate this figure to be more than 200 000.The policy aims to strengthen and support the capacity of families, social networks and communities to care and protect OVCs.It also aims to stimulate and strengthen community-based responses, strengthening the capacity of children and young people to meet their own needs.At its meeting on August 17, Cabinet noted that the issue of caring for orphans and vulnerable children is one of Namibias most pressing social concerns.According to the 2001 census, there were more than 115 000 orphans in Namibia 75 per cent because of HIV-AIDS.Civil organisations estimate this figure to be more than 200 000.The policy aims to strengthen and support the capacity of families, social networks and communities to care and protect OVCs.It also aims to stimulate and strengthen community-based responses, strengthening the capacity of children and young people to meet their own needs.