Sponsor a child in Swaziland

HIV/AIDS is a devastating problem for families living in Swaziland. Over a quarter of the population suffer from HIV/AIDS, while around 100,000 children have been orphaned by the disease. Since the 1980s, SOS Children has worked to address the crisis, bringing security to children at risk.

You can help a vulnerable child in Swaziland through a child sponsorship with SOS Children:

A country in the grip of an epidemic

Not only does Swaziland have the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the world, it is also one of the poorest countries globally. Nearly half of its population live in lifelong poverty. With an unpredictable climate resulting in low agricultural output, rural poverty is yet another acute problem in Swaziland. Alongside joblessness, school enrolment is low at less than a third, with one in five Swazi adults unable to read or write.

A childhood plagued by ill health and abuse

Thousands of Swazi children suffer from HIV/AIDS, but for most families, retroviral treatment is simply unaffordable. Food is also too expensive for many families, with malnutrition afflicting one in ten children. Due to the high number of AIDS-related deaths, many children are forced to raise their siblings, missing out on school as a result. And according to a recent survey, a third of all girls experience sexual abuse and violence during their childhood.

Our Work in Swaziland

SOS Children began work in Swaziland in 1990, when our first community was opened by King Mswati III in the capital, Mbabane. Since then, we have continued to help vulnerable families in Swaziland, particularly at times of crisis. In 2000, we supported numerous families affected by flooding in the Mbabane area, while in 2002, drought and food shortages afflicted many parts of the country. On both occasions, SOS Children stepped in to provide emergency relief to help families and children cope with the worst nature can offer. Through family support work, we have also helped many children and families living with HIV/AIDS, enabling children at risk of losing their parents continue to grow up in a caring family environment.

Our first Children's Village opened at Sidvwashini on the outskirts of the capital, Mbabane in 1990. Many people in this city of 100,000 inhabitants live in the slum conditions of shanty towns. Living in sub-standard housing, these families share pit latrines and running water taps. Street lighting is limited and few people can afford electricity.

SOS Children has recently extended its family support work in Mbabane to reach more parents and children affected by the various problems faced in the Swazi capital. We provide guidance on income generation, help mothers and fathers improve their parenting skills, and offer counselling where needed.

Our medical centre reaches 1,500 people every month, providing basic healthcare, preventative medicine and all-round treatment for those suffering from HIV/AIDS. We offer these services to all members of the community, regardless of their circumstances or financial situation, and work in conjunction with local organisation the Swaziland AIDS Support Organisation (SASO).

Nhlangano

Siteki

Our Children's Village in Siteki opened in 2009. Every month, we reach 2,000 people from our medical centre, offering a range of treatment from basic healthcare to preventative medicine. We also offer testing, counselling and treatment to those suffering from HIV/AIDS.

Aids Orphans in Swaziland

Local Contact

SOS Children's Village Association of Swaziland

Mbabane

Swaziland

Tel: +268/422 08 78

Fax: +268/422 08 77

e-mail: sos-swz@realnet.co.sz