Rebecca Cooke explains how grandmothers are stepping up.
When Malong Pitse’s daughter died of AIDS, the 71-year-old widow became the sole provider for her grandchildren.
Pitse is not alone; at least 300,000 AIDS orphans in Lesotho are living with their grandmothers, who struggle to cope with the financial challenge of raising them. Of all the countries with more than one per cent of the population living with AIDS, Lesotho has the largest percentage of children orphaned by the disease.
The New Internationalist is an independent bi-monthly not-for-profit magazine that reports on action for global justice. We believe in putting people before profit, in climate justice, tax justice, equality, social responsibility and human rights for all.
New Internationalist acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We acknowledge that these lands were stolen and sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respects to Elders both past and present.
© Copyright New Internationalist 1973-2026. Except where otherwise noted, content on this site is licensed under Creative Commons.
Except where otherwise noted, images on this site are © the attributed photographer/illustrator or representative agency.