Highly Vulnerable Children Research Center
This report details the Integrated AIDS Program-Thika (IAP-Thika), supported by Pathfinder International — and identifies lessons learned that could be applied to other initiatives. IAP-Thika has a number of objectives ranging from increasing the number of people accessing voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services to building the capacity of youth and the community at large to address issues related to HIV and AIDS by raising awareness and decreasing stigma and discrimination.
This case study focuses on Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) OVC program model in Kenya and documents lessons learned that could be applied to other OVC initiatives. The Kilifi OVC project of CRS program aims to increase the capacity of communities and families and orphans to respond to the needs of OVC and increase local partner agencies’ capacity to deliver high quality and sustainable interventions. To accomplish these goals, CRS collaborates with the Archdiocese of Mombasa by providing technical and financial support.
This case study is a review of U.S. Pathfinder in Kenya’s OVC program model and documents lessons learned. Pathfinder International’s Community Based HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care, and Support Program (COPHIA) focuses on working with community-based organizations (CBOs). Program goals include strengthening the capacity of communities to identify children’s needs and to develop and implement activities focused on HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and support for OVC and persons living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA); and build the capacity of local organizations to manage and implement HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and support services.
HIV places acute stressors on affected children and families; especially in resource limited contexts like sub-Saharan Africa. Despite their importance, the epidemic’s potential consequences for family dynamics and children’s psychological health are understudied. Using a population-based sample of 2,487 caregivers and 3,423 children aged 8–14 years from the Central Province of Kenya, analyses were conducted to examine whether parental illness and loss were associated with family functioning and children’s externalizing behaviors.
HIV and AIDS have altered the context in which millions of children in sub-Saharan Africa are raised. Many are under the care of a widowed or ill parent, and others are residing with their extended family. Caregivers of orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC) face a variety of stressors that may adversely affect children. This study explores potential benefits of caregivers’ membership in support groups on their own psychosocial well-being, and on the treatment and psychosocial well-being of OVC aged 8–14 under their care.
