Designing programs for orphans and vulnerable children in AIDS affected areas: report of a needs assessment in Mbeya Municpality, Tanzania

The main objective of the assessment was to obtain an in depth understanding of the orphan care issues that were important to people in the community and to identify obstacles to education, health care and voluntary counseling and testing for HIV (VCT). The actions and interventions necessary to establish such a program were subsequently identified and communities, local and national authorities agreed upon an action plan.