Conceptualizing the African child as orphan and vulnerable: A label in need of redefinition?

Authors

Margaret Lombe, Boston College
Harriet Mabikke, Boston College
Ngozi V. Enelamah, University of New Hampshire, DurhamFollow
Yoosun Chu, Boston College

Abstract

Despite the decline in AIDS-related deaths worldwide, the consequence of the disease continues to be felt. This is exemplified in the unprecedented numbers of adult deaths and inability of the extended family to cope. These factors have impacted the welfare of children negatively. Focusing specifically on sub-Saharan Africa, a region severely struck by the pandemic, we examine the effects of the label ‘Orphan and Vulnerable Children’ (OVC), which has been utilized to identify children affected by HIV/AIDS, on the welfare of the affected children. Implications for policy, practice, and scholarship are suggested.

Department

Social Work

Publication Date

6-13-2017

Journal Title

International Social Work

Publisher

Sage

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0020872817710546

Document Type

Article

Recommended Citation

Lombe, M., Mabikke, H., Enelamah, N. V., & Chu, Y. (2019). Conceptualizing the African child as orphan and vulnerable: A label in need of redefinition? International Social Work, 62(1), 62-75. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872817710546

Rights

© The Author(s) 2017.