The UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS in June 25-27, 2001 adopted the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS: Global Crisis – Global Action, in which member states inter alia agreed to: By 2003, develop and by 2005 implement national policies and strategies to: build and strengthen governmental, family and community capacities to provide a supportive environment for orphans and girls and boys infected and affected by HIV/AIDS… (s65).

South Africa’s HIV and AIDS and STI Strategic plan for 2007-2011 acknowledges that the majority of orphans are being cared for by grandparents, family members or through self-care in child-headed households (p39) and that various buffer mechanisms are to be put in place to alleviate impact on those shouldering the burden of care. However, in many areas the practical mechanisms needed to achieve this remain fragmented at best, and at worst are non-existent, with rural areas being the most affected.