ANGOLA: AIDS to increase orphan numbers

The proliferation of HIV/AIDS in Angola could result in more than 100,000 orphans by 2005, the Minister of Welfare and Social Reintegration, Joao Baptista Kussumua, has warned.

Research suggests that this number could increase to 331,000 orphans by 2010 if the pandemic goes unchecked.

According to the Angola Press Agency (ANGOP), Kussumua stressed that in this context the Angolan Head of State, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, was determined to give great priority to issues relating to children.

The Ministry will hold its "National Forum on Care and Development of Primary Childhood in Angola" from 14 to 16 June, with the support of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Theme (s): Care/Treatment - PlusNews, Children,

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]