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Uganda Statistics
According to the UNICEF statistics 2005, Uganda with a population of 31 million has an estimate of one million people infected with HIV/AIDS and total Orphan population of 2.3 million of which one million is due to HIV/AIDS (43%). The current infection rate is at 6.7% per annum.
The average income per capita is US $280 while the population growth rate according to the US department of state is 4.0%. While one million people have died of HIV/AIDS, Uganda with more than half of its population under the age of 18 has got a population of 2 million people living with HIV/AIDS. According to the UNICEF statistics, enrolment from primary to secondary level falls by 69% and there's a registered 59% record of early marriages in Ugandan rural areas especially among the girls.
The above statistics therefore, reflect that the population growth rate is higher than the gross production rate implying that poverty levels will continue to increase as the population grows. The high numbers of orphans coupled with early marriages reflect the undeveloped capacity of parents to provide for their families. This is also supported by the low average gross income per capita.
Reflecting on the above factors, the government of Uganda allowed the private sector also known as the NGO's (Non- Governmental Organisations) to intervene by offering necessary services directly to communities as a way of meeting the challenges that are affecting the Ugandan population.
Most of the orphaned or abandoned children in Uganda have to make do with one meagre meal a day and many do not even have that. Large numbers do not have shelter or a place to call home. Children die because they cannot get even basic medical care or may no be able to get to the nearest medical centre, which can be over 5 kilometers away. These children do not have anyone to provide them with clothes, to ensure they bath or simply to care for them.
Everyone in Uganda is either affected or infected by the killer epidemic.
MALARIA
Although HIV/AIDS has had very devastating effects on the population in Uganda, Malaria still remains the number one killer disease in sub-Saharan Africa and claims 320 people everyday in Uganda alone especially children.
CONFLICTS /CIVIL WARS
Uganda has been a victim of so many civil wars especially with the northern Uganda where the 23 year old LRA war has taken place and left so many displaced children and families as well as millions that lost their lives hence an increased orphan ratio.
CHURCH IMPACT
"when the foundations are destroyed, what will the righteous do?" Psalms 11:3.
The good news that orphan children need to hear is not only the fact that they will be adopted or fostered by a loving family, but also the good news that Jesus Christ died on the cross to make it possible for them to become adopted children of God. Our adoption by God is the ultimate expression of His love, and was the ultimate purpose of Jesus' life on earth and death on the cross. This is truly the Gospel of Adoption and it is written in Galatians 4:4-5 and John 1:12
If orphan children never experience a family's love, how can we expect them to comprehend God's love? Adoption and fostering by a Christian family is the best way for orphan children to become adopted children of God. Not all are called to adopt or foster, but anyone can love and minister to orphan children by supporting other families adopt and/or foster. The Church has the opportunity to Evangelise and disciple these children and this is a great investment for generations.
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