Abstract #348  -  Highly destabilized countries: mobilizing communities for prevention and mitigation of HIV & AIDS among vulnerable children in Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Uganda
Authors:   Presenting Author:   MS Benter Owino - World Vision International
Additional Authors:  Ms Benter  Owino,
Aim: Share experiences from three conflict-affected African countries in mobilizing community structures and resources in efforts at preventing HIV and mitigating the impact on children and youth.
Method / Issue: Children and youth in highly destabilized communities are at increased risk of HIV and AIDs infection and often lack proper support mechanisms should they be infected or orphaned. By definition destabilized communities lack the systems and resources to offer even minimal care for orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC). The HOPE Project is a five year initiative supported by World Vision to reduce the spread and mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS on orphans and vulnerable children living in three highly destabilized regions in Africa namely, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia. The project aims to enhance the capacity of children to protect themselves from HIV infection, improve the quality of life for orphans and vulnerable children, and mobilize community leaders to support OVC care initiatives. Implementation through community based organizations (CBOs) forms the core methodological framework of this project, backed up with continuous mentoring and training of the CBOs and CCCs. The CBOs mobilize grassroots affiliations referred to as Community Care Coalitions (CCCs) which comprise of individual volunteers or institutions. CCCs are engaged in various project activities; a. Life skills training offered to children in and out of school b. Psychosocial Support c. Vocational training d. Advocacy targeting local leaders to support OVC in their communities
Results / Comments: Project experiences vary across the three countries depending on the prevailing security situation and human capacity to implement the project especially in EDRC and Somalia where the level of turbulence has persisted. The CCCs being the central pillar for implementation were created right at inception. CCC formation provided an opportunity to restructure after fragmentation of broken community systems and social networks. CCC dynamics vary across the countries, but one commonality that runs across board is a general willingness to support vulnerable children. The capacity building efforts have begun to bear fruit as several of the CCCs have to date registered themselves as community organizations. In Hargeisa, Somaliland, the CCCs have some together to form an umbrella organization and are actively engaged in fundraising. The psychosocial support activities were designed to cater mainly for OVC and their guardians, but high demand has necessitated wider provision. A mid term evaluation showed remarkable levels of recovery among those undergoing the therapy program. There has been appreciable retention of volunteers despite no monetary incentives, suggesting that with proper training and mentoring, they may value the non-material benefits accruing from the engagement, such as contribution to rebuilding their communities.
Discussion: The project has learnt several pertinent issues with regards to implementation of HIV and AIDS projects in destabilized communities. Medium term projects can be implemented in fragile communities but require understanding, leverage of local resources, and flexibility due to the potential for disruption. • Psychosocial support, a latent but often overlooked need, is vital for individuals in disrupted communities. A demand driven approach to counseling services may not yield best results hence programs should assume the need exists and rule it out only upon proper diagnosis. • Programs in destabilized communities require greater time and monetary investment to increase the capacity of local organizations to successfully implement interventions
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