UNICEF: Outreach to Zimbabwe children orphaned by HIV/AIDS

GOROMONZI DISTRICT, Zimbabwe, Lillian's father died in 2004 due to complications from AIDS. Her mother, unable to cope, abandoned the family a few days later.

After their mother left, Lillian and her siblings joined their six cousins, whose mothers had already died from AIDS-related illnesses. Their 80-year-old grandmother was suddenly left responsible for the care of nine orphaned children.

Unfortunately, Lillian's life mirrors that of many Zimbabwean girls her age -- children being looked after by ailing grandparents. There are at least 1.1 million children (and possibly as many as 1.6 million) who have lost one or both parents to AIDS in the country.

As part of The Government of Zimbabwe's National Plan of Action (NPA) for orphans and vulnerable children, UNICEF is embarking on a massive programme to improve the health, education, protection and nutrition of the country's orphans and vulnerable children.