The situation of orphans and vulnerable children in selected Woredas and towns in Jimma Zone

Abstract

Orphan and vulnerable (OVC) children are children that are susceptible to various types of physiological, psychological and social problems. A qualitative research was conducted to assess the situation of orphans and vulnerable children in four woredas and two towns of Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. 21 focus group discussions and 29 key informant interviews were conducted to collect data required for the study. The data collected were analyzed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that OVC are vulnerable to malnutrition, poor hygiene, child sexual abuse, drug use, child labor exploitation. Moreover, they have little/no access to essential social services such as health, education and housing. The finding of the study also revealed that non-governmental organizations operating in the areas have been supporting very few children with educational materials, health care cost and food. The supports being offered by the non-governmental organizations were insufficient, intermittent, duplicated and limited to few children in terms of their coverage. Consequently, a number of OVC are still in a difficult situation and seek immediate attention. Thus, strengthening families'/guardian's economic capacity through income generating activities, social and emotional inclusive support programs, inter-organizational coordination, launching institutional care/ promoting local adoption for the abandoned and orphans were recommended based on the findings.

Magnitude and Associated Factors of Undernutrition Among Children Aged 6–59 Months in Ethiopian Orphanage Centres

“…4 Institutionalized children are potentially at greater risk of malnutrition. 5 A study conducted in Romania on institutionalized children has found substantial delays in cognitive development, growth, and social competence among young children who were raised in the institution. 6 The number of children who are left orphaned in the world due to the loss of parents has increased in recent years.…”

Demystifying the Human Trafficking from the Human Rights Perspectives: A Comprehensive Review

“…The term "human trafficking" was initially used to describe forcing women and children into prostitution in the middle of the 20th century, along with expressions like "the trafficking in women and children" and "the trafficking in white slaves" [15] as cited in [16]. Despite its lengthy history, [17] as cited by [3] states that there is no universally agreed definition of human trafficking despite the fact that various definitions are driven and adopted by governments, NGOs, and regional authorities Its conceptual fuzziness results from the reality that human trafficking can occur in an incredibly wide range of contexts, making it difficult to write any one thorough report on the subject [18].…”

HIV/AIDS Care and Support Services Satisfaction for Orphan and Vulnerable Children in Northwest Ethiopia: Mixed Method Study

“…More than 12% of all children in Ethiopia are affected due to the death of one or both parents due to HIV/AIDS [4]. HIV/ AIDS has changed the way millions of children are raised in Ethiopia, including Gondar, because it is no exception.…”

“…Many are cared for by widowed or sick parents, while others live with large families [5]. In Ethiopia, about 6% of the total population, is classified as OVC [4]. According to the report of Yecokeb Berehan, there are an estimated 13,234 OVC in Gondar [6].…”