Support for children dries up

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THE support for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in the Midlands province has declined with only 15% of the estimated 77 387 OVC receiving school-related assistance, a National Aids Council (NAC) official has revealed.

THE support for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in the Midlands province has declined with only 15% of the estimated 77 387 OVC receiving school-related assistance, a National Aids Council (NAC) official has revealed.

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NAC provincial monitoring and evaluation officer Josial Machakata said due to the dwindling support, many children were dropping out of school and turning to menial jobs.

Addressing an HIV and Aids provincial meeting in Gweru yesterday, Machakata called for concerted efforts from stakeholders in addressing the problem.

“Only 15% of about 77 387 OVC in the province got school-related assistance. This means the majority of children end up dropping out of school and doing menial jobs — like being housemaids for the girl child,” said Machakata.

He said during the same period, 15,1% got nutritional support while 25% got pscho-social support.

Machakata said Gokwe South and Chirumanzu districts constituted the highest figure of OVC support.