Exploring the Appropriateness of Institutionalized Care of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) in the Era of HIV/AIDS: Examples from South Africa and Botswana

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate and discuss the appropriateness of institutions caring for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) in the face of HIV/AIDS through a systematic literature review. In the face of HIV/AIDS environment, OVC care institutions: offer a second best home; professionalize their services; provide mothering and attachment figures; and offer HIV/AIDS services. Further, they display the following gaps: The children suffer immense state of stigma; management and funding challenges; experience erratic and unreliable donations/supplies; and their caregivers display knowledge and skills gaps. The present research recommended anti- stigma community mobilization and sensitization; various forms of education starting with on the job training of the caregivers; education on care of children generally, HIV/AIDS testing, early HIV/AIDS diagnosis and disclosure by children, and counseling.