50%
Life expectancy rate of children under 5
High child mortality rate
Although Togo’s child mortality rate has fallen since the 1990s, many children still die in early life. The majority of the population is extremely poor and with little access to healthcare, children in Togo often die of preventable diseases. Dietary deficiencies are a major cause of death for children, as families struggle to provide daily nutritious meals.
Moreover, girls under 18 who have grown up in poverty, especially those who have received little schooling, are at higher risk of being forced into arranged marriages to improve their family's financial situation. Although the government has taken measures to protect children, many of their basic rights remain unfulfilled in Togo.
83,000
Children were orphaned by HIV/AIDS in 2020
Children lose support
High levels of poverty and HIV/AIDS in Togo means that thousands of children grow up without any family support. In 2020 alone, a reported 83,000 children lost parental care due to HIV-related illnesses. In addition, many more have had to grow up without support since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of health facilities is particularly worrying since there are many children and pregnant women who are in need of antiretroviral therapy to treat HIV infections. Throughout the country there are thousands more who find themselves at risk of losing parental care due to a harsh socioeconomic environment. Vulnerable children without parental care are in need of alternative arrangements for them to grow up in.
Your support makes a difference for children in Dapaong
SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
Are supported in the community
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
110
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
![]()
Kossi joined the family strengthening program and she and her children received access to health care and other support to improve her family's living conditions. Her children also attend kindergarten or school (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Togo).
How your support helps in Dapaong
Strengthening vulnerable families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run trainings so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school.
Providing medical care
In areas with limited health services, SOS Children’s Villages provides medical advice and assistance. We offer preventative measures such as medical check-ups and vaccination programmes. Most of the patients who approach us for medical help come from local families, who could otherwise not afford to receive treatment.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.