HIV/AIDS has left almost 1 million Ugandan children orphaned and responsible for their siblings, Uganda’s New Vision Online reports (newvision.co.ug, 6/10). With no parents, children become caregivers and must provide for their siblings.

Child labor is a growing concern in Uganda where, of its 8 million children, 2.7 million are forced to work. What’s more, at least 300,000 AIDS orphans are working without education or “normal development,” which in some cases exposes them to HIV infections, said Syda Bbumba, the minister of gender, labor and social affairs.

The announcement came on June 11—one day before the World Day against Child Labor, during which journalists and experts will converge to recommend reforms to keep children from dropping out of school.