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


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Author(s): ThurmanTR, Hutchinson P, Ikamari L, Gichuhi W, Murungaru K, Nyangara F

Year: 2009

Abstract:

This paper presents the findings from the evaluation of the Integrated AIDS Program-Thika (IAP) operating within Kenya. IAP is a community and faith-based organization that receives technical and financial support from Pathfinder International. This evaluation explores the impact of IAP's community education and sensitization efforts focusing on care and support for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). These efforts aim to enhance child protection and reduce stigma concerning OVC and people living with AIDS, and these outcomes are examined with a post-test study design. The indirect influence of living in "high acceptance" or "high stigma" communities on the level of community support provided to OVC is also explored. This paper further provides a profile of the characteristics and needs of OVC relative to other children. The programmatic implications of these findings are discussed.

Filed under: Orphans and Vulnerable Children , HIV/AIDS , Kenya , Child Health