Orphans And Vulnerable Children: Implications For Social Work Practice In Nigeria Christopher Ndubisi Ngwu

Abstract

Poor health and little stimulation resulting from inadequate care can affect the orphans and vulnerable children's ability to think, learn and function effectively. As the HIV pandemic continues to expand, the impact on children can not be overstated. Children who are orphaned by HIV/AIDS become vulnerable to a whole host of dangers in the name of supporting themselves and their siblings. This paper presents a summary of situation of Nigerian orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and examines some of the factors responsible for orphan-hood and vulnerability in Nigeria and concludes by highlighting the role of social workers in strengthening families and communities to meet the needs of these orphans and vulnerable children in Nigeria.