South African child gauge 2005

HIV and AIDS and children in South Africa

By: Jacobs M, Shung-King M & Smith C
Published by: Children's Institute, University of Cape Town (UCT) , 2005
Via: Eldis

This publication examines the links between the practical situation of children in South Africa, South Africa’s commitments to child rights, and society’s progress in this regard. The document discusses the country’s response to different aspects of the challenge of realising children’s rights, and presents a set of broad-based indicators aimed at gauging improvements in the situation of children over time. This issue focuses on children and policy; HIV and AIDS and children, and the number of children with access to social assistance and basic services.

HIV and AIDS is the leading cause of deaths among children under-five years of age - nationally and across all provinces - primarily due to HIV transmission before and during the birth process. At the same time, diseases of poverty account for at least 30% of all under-five child deaths. The second major obstacle to the realisation of child rights is found to be the ongoing income inequality and widespread poverty in the country. Almost 66% of the child population are living in poverty. Unemployment rate is also rising.