
International funding crisis threatens lives
This is the main finding of the 2025 Global AIDS Update. The report highlights the impact that the sudden, large-scale funding cuts from international donors are having on countries most affected by HIV.
Although there's some light, the report also shows that countries and communities are stepping up to protect the gains made and drive the HIV response forward.
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The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Opening hearts and homes: A guide to adopting in South Africa
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The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Child adoption journey unpacked
Some parents-to-be can opt to adopt children, not because of pregnancy issues but because they are consciously extending a hand in providing love and care for children in need. Children have a right to protection against violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. Reportedly, between April 2010 and March 2024, the Department of Social Development recorded 16 593 national adoptions within South Africa. The Department of Social Development (DSD) advises South Africans that they have alternative options when they cannot look after their children. Lumka Oliphant, spokesperson of the DSD explained, 'Adoption which is viewed as the most permanent placement option for children who are orphaned and vulnerable, remains under-utilised in South Africa and this leaves children for whom there is no immediate alternative care within their extended families, exceptionally vulnerable to the long-term effects of institutionalisation.' Also read:Giving children a sense of belonging through adoption Furthermore, 'Currently, South Africa has children who are orphaned due to various reasons like violent crime, gender-based violence, HIV/Aids and the Covid-19. On the other hand, some children are abandoned due to the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and unwanted pregnancy.' She concluded that although adoption is a person's or a family's choice, it is important to promote adoption services and recruit prospective adoptive parents within the country. Applying for national adoption Only South African citizens residing in South Africa can apply, and must want to adopt a South African child. 1. Go to any adoption agency in any province of your choice to apply. 2. The adoption agency will conduct a screening/ home study to check if you are fit and proper to adopt a child. 3. If the agency is satisfied with the results, they will put you on a Register of Adoptable Children and Adoptive Parents while they help you search for a child who is available for adoption. 4. If a child is available, they will call you to the offices to meet the child and ask you if you are interested in adopting the child. 5. If you agree, they will send your report to the Children's Court to finalise the adoption and issue an adoption order. 6. The Court report will be sent to the Department of Social Development so they can check if correct procedure was followed and to record both your and the child's details. Also read: Ways to teach your child to accept all families The duration of the process differs from one case to another. And the cost will depend on the agency used. Abba Specialist Adoption & Social Services (Abba) is a non-profit organisation founded in 1983. They are a designated child protection organisation with adoption accreditation for national and inter-country adoptions. They provide a range of direct services to abandoned, neglected, orphaned, and vulnerable children who appear to be in need of permanent alternative family care. On the matter of the duration of the adoption process, Abba indicates, 'The screening process is not only establishing whether a prospective adoptive parent is fit and proper but is also a preparation process to ensure that parents are ready for the challenges of adoption and equipped to deal with them. At Abba, this process normally takes between 4-6 months. 'The waiting period for a child is closely related to the profile of the child that parents have applied for. There are, for instance, more black children available for adoption than children of other races, which can increase the waiting time for a baby.' The DSD encourages citizens to use the opportunity to adopt, and make a lasting difference in children's lives. All forms are available at your nearest Department of Social Development offices. For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


eNCA
16 hours ago
- eNCA
UNAIDS warns of growing crisis to funding cuts
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