Community Education and Sensitization as an OVC Care and Support Strategy: Evaluation of the Integrated AIDS Program-Thika in Kenya

Case Studies & Research
2009
32 p.

In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 12 million children aged 17 and younger have lost one or both parents mainly due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In addition, several million other children live with chronically ill and dying parents or caregiver, and others are living with HIV/AIDS themselves. These situations have exposed children to various life threats including dire household poverty, hunger, stigma and discrimination, abuse, and psychological problems. Despite recognition of the magnitude of these challenges, there is little evidence to guide programs designed to address the needs and improve the well-being of orphans and other children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. To address this knowledge gap, MEASURE Evaluation, evaluated four programs targeting OVC - two in Kenya and two in Tanzania. The main purpose of these program evaluations was to find out what program interventions work and which do not work in terms of improving the well-being of children aged 8-14 and their caregivers in households and communities most affected by HIV/AIDS. This paper presents the findings from the evaluation of the Integrated AIDS Program-Thika operating within Kenya. This evaluation explores the impact of IAP's community education and sensitization efforts focusing on OVC care and support. These meetings aim to enhance child protection and reduce stigma concerning OVC and people living with AIDS, and these outcomes are examined among attendees and non-attendees with a post-test study design.

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