Parental Survival and Living Arrangements of Children in Malawi

Henry V. Doctor, University of Pennsylvania

Using data from the 1998 census, I examine the level of orphanhood, living arrangements, and school enrollment of children during a period of high adult HIV prevalence in Malawi. Results show that 3% of children aged 14 or younger are maternal orphans and almost twice that percentage are paternal orphans. One percent have lost both parents, and about 8% of children have lost one or both parents. Overall, the results show that the southern region has a higher proportion of orphans of any type than the northern and central regions. On average orphans live in poorer households and have lower enrollment rates than their counterparts. The high level of adult mortality in Malawi has affected childrearing and welfare of children. Virtually all orphans are cared for by members of the extended family since it is a common practice in Malawi to bring up children other than one’s own.