Why?
The purpose of the Orphans and Vulnerable Children Project 2011-2013 is to contribute to the reduction of vulnerability and to the capacity building and increased resilience of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), their families and communities, by strengthening the support, care and treatment for OVC and their guardians. In 2008 there was an estimated 174 000 people living with HIV in Namibia. Women account for about 62% of all adults aged 15-49 years living with HIV. The pandemic has led to a decline in life expectancy and an increase in under-five mortality. Over 50% of the beds in the hospitals are occupied by patients with HIV and AIDS related illnesses, and AIDS is the leading cause of adult mortality in the country. 70 000 children have lost one or both parents due to AIDS. It is estimated that 16 000 children are living with HIV, and that at least half of them are in need of Antiretroviral Therapy. The project areas are Grootfontein, Otavi, Otjituuwo, Shamalindi and Kaposa/Alina in the Otjozondjupa Region.
What?
The following strategies and activities will be implemented in order to reach the goals set for the project: provision of material (incl. blankets, mosquito nets, shelter material, hygiene packs), educational (incl. sensitisation on nutrition, HIV, hygiene, sanitation, child protection), scholastic and livelihood (incl. seeds and tools) support to orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and their families, implementation of peer education training, strengthening the capacity of the Namibian Red Cross to provide support for OVC.
Who?
The implementing partner of this project is the Namibian Red Cross Society and the funding partner is the Belgian Red Cross – Flanders. This project targets 300 of the most vulnerable orphans and vulnerable children, as well as their parents, grannies and other care takers/ guardians.