Aids in Malawi It is estimated that 15 percent of the rural population and 32 percent of the urban population are infected with the HIV virus. Malawi's population is approximately 13 million. 70 percent of hospital beds are occupied by patients suffering from AIDS related illnesses. In the 15 - 19 age group young women with HIV outnumber young men tenfold. This shows the critical importance of education in sexual behaviour. There are over one million children under 18 who have lost one or both parents. Historically , children who lose their parents have been found homes but the sheer magnitude of the problem is now making this unmanageable without measures to support families. The key is to identify ways to support these families and their communities, not to substitute for them. It is estimated that currently less than one-third of these children receive any supportive care from public or NGO social services.