It affects children whose brothers and sisters or parents are infected. 8 years old nurse their parents as they die. This often means that they are unable to attend school. The children rarely have assistance and support in coping with their stress and grief. When a child's parents die, they may only have more distant relatives to turn to for support.
Some aids orphans are well aware that they are unwanted and resented by their distant relatives.
Sickness prevents parents from earning money. Consequently, we have seen a steady increase in child malnutrition since 1992. With no money, children also cannot go to school. This is too expensive for people with low incomes, or large families. Teachers are reporting increased problems in school from children who are tired, hungry, distressed or agitated by their home situation, mostly due to hiv and poverty.