The Gender Gap in Responses to the Orphan Crisis in Zambia: How well is the female Orphan catered for?

Zambia is one of the countries that have been hit hard by the HIV I AIDS pandemic. As parents die, they are leaving behind a huge number of orphans, because the pandemic is affecting mostly those in the productive age (15-45 years). Traditionally, the extended family has been absorbing orphans, but now it is getting overwhelmed since the problem has reached the level of a crisis. This is due to the fact that HIV/AIDS is eroding both the nuclear and extended family. However, even where members of the extended family are still there, it is extremely difficult for them to help due to high poverty levels in the country.