Free Access | July 2002

Long-term welfare and investment impact of AIDS-related changes in family composition: Evidence from Uganda

Authors/Editors: Klaus Deininger ,  Gloria Kempaka ,  Anja Crommelynck

Abstract:

Abstract: Although availability of quantitative information on the extent of AIDS in Africa is improving, the socio-economic implications of the epidemic remain poorly unders tood. This paper explores this issue for Uganda focusing on households who received foster children between 1992 and 2000, a phenomenon that affected more than 15% of households. We find that addition of a foster child resulted in significant reductions of per capita consumption, income, and household investment which were more pronounced for the poor. Initial disadvantages in foster children's access to education for this group were overcome in the course of UPE implementation while new inequali ties have emerged in access to hea lth services. Foster children's ability to access services will thus be affected by the broader policy environment as wel l as programs more specifically targeted at this group.