Responding to Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in Botswana: A Literature Review

This paper analyses a comprehensive review of published and non-published materials on how    Botswana government responded to the needs and challenges of orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC).  Programmes and their interventions are examined. The response includes policies and their guidelines, laws, regulations and resources to cater for all OVCs in the country. These policies and legal frameworks have been guided by international charters, conventions and declaration which the government of Botswana embraced such as ICD, Maputo Plan convention on the right of the child and MDGs. The magnitude of OVCs in Botswana is immense and the majority of deaths are due to HIV and AIDS followed by road traffic accidents.  In Botswana OVCs include orphans, street children, those with disabilities, the abused, abandoned, destitute children and those living with HIV and AIDS, out of school children and those subjected to child labour from marginalized tribal groups.  Orphans are defined as children aged below 18 years, who have lost one or both biological parents. This review provided opportunity for authors to understand the government’s strategies in addressing orphans’ challenges, their benefits and cost incurred.   In Botswana, there are several legal documents in place, these include, the national policy on OVC, children’s Act of 2009 and the affiliation proceeding Act. In addition there are guideline developed to guide the implementation of several policies and these include, development of children in need of care regulations of 2005 and national guidelines: care of orphans and vulnerable children, 2008 and short-term plan of action (1999), which was reviewed in 2004 as well as the destitute policy (2002).   In 1999, 21209 children were orphans and an estimate of 200 000 was projected for 2010.  Various caring methods for OVC as well as the challenges faced by their caregivers are explained.

In conclusion there is a clear evidence that there is an increase number of OVCs in Botswana This increase is a great challenge to families, communities, government and civil society organization,  and stakeholders.  The government together with NGOs, CBOs, FBOs, Private sectors and the business community have embarked on various strategies as guided by government policies and laws to help improve the quality of life of OVCs.