Rwanda

Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa and more than half of the population is under 18 years of age. There are an estimated 1.25 million orphaned children in Rwanda due in part to the lingering impact of the 1994 genocide and the infant and maternal mortality rates are amongst the highest in the world. Primary causes of death include malaria, diarrhoea, respiratory infections and AIDS.

AIDS has worsened the already serious problem of child-headed households in Rwanda. More than 160,000 children have been orphaned because of AIDS.

Mother-to-child transmission is the primary infection method in Rwanda but testing and treatment is increasing. In 2005, 48 per cent of pregnant women were tested for HIV; of the women who tested positive, 56 per cent used ARVs to prevent transmission to their infants.

UNICEF is currently working in Rwanda to help prevent mother-to-child transmission and to scale up paediatric AIDS treatment. The programme includes procurement of supplies and medications, as well as training and the development of a mentorship programme for health care workers treating children.

To help protect orphaned and vulnerable children, child protection volunteers are trained to help detect and monitor against violence, abuse and exploitation. UNICEF also provides support services in police stations for child victims of violence and abuse. Civil society representatives, parents, mentors and government officials are being trained on best practices to provide care and support to orphaned and vulnerable children.