afrol News / PlusNews, 24 July - The number of orphans and vulnerable children in Namibia is expected to almost double by 2021, Project Hope, a US-based AIDS NGO has said.

According to its latest report, 'Orphans and Vulnerable Children 2006', the figure could rise from 156,000 at present to an estimated 251,000 over the next 15 years, mainly as a result of HIV/AIDS.

"As the number of adults dying of [AIDS-related illnesses] rises, increasing numbers of orphans will ... be deprived of their basic rights of shelter, health, food and education," the report warned.

Namibia has an adult AIDS prevalence rate of 21.3 percent in a population of just over two million.

By staff writer

© afrol News / PlusNews

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