Assistance to AIDS orphans within the family/kinship system and local institutions: a program for East Africa.

The rapid spread of HIV/AIDS infection in East Africa is devastating the adult population, leaving behind orphans in need of care. By 2015, there will be an estimated 16 million children orphaned by AIDS in Africa alone (Valeroy, 1991). Long-term and cost effective programs must be designed that will utilize available resources. AIDS orphans have traditionally been relocated within the extended family network, although this system is becoming overwhelmed by the large numbers of children needing care. In the present paper a family/kinship project to support and enhance existing traditional systems and thus ensure stable and long-term orphan care is outlined.