THE number of Aids orphans in Ethiopia has reached the one million mark, according to the Ministry of Health, placing an even greater strain on the country’s already limited and stretched social services. Ethiopia has the third largest population in the world with the HIV virus. Only India and South Africa have a greater number. “Tackling Aids is the most serious problem that Ethiopia now faces,” said Ministry of Health spokesperson Amsale Yelma. Unicef is one of the organisations trying to help AIDS orphans and victims. Mirgissa Kaba, officer in charge of HIV in Unicef, said: “This country is facing a severe situation. “Aids orphans usually come from very poor families and face the usual problems associated with that. “They often find themselves on the streets without shelter and do not have food. There are inadequate services for these children – including health care, school fees and materials and orphanages – in part due to a lack of information on the specific families and children affected. “Consequently, the numbers of street children is likely to increase as affected youth search for alternative means for survival.” -AFP