Orphans and Vulnerable Children
The RAPIDS' OVC Program is implemented by all six RAPIDS partners and covers all core PEPFAR areas for OVC programming. The program is implemented through a community-led response built around home visits by our trained and equipped caregivers working under community committees and district staff.
Educational support to children is offered through the provision of school fees and other prerequisites such as books, shoes, and school bags.
In the area of health, RAPIDS collaborates with the Ministry of Health to provide de-worming medicine, Mebendazole, and vitamin A supplements to children, particularly those under five years of age. Referrals by caregivers are made to the clinics for other healthcare as required.
Livelihood support in the form of seed and livestock are distributed to OVC households. OVC also receive various gifts-in-kind (GIK) including educational materials, clothing, blankets and toys.
Community committees conduct sensitization activities in the communities on various child protection issues. Parent Community School Committee members are trained in school management of community schools and are supported with educational materials and infrastructure rehabilitation especially through the sub-grants program.
The Family Support Units at Arthur Davison, Livingstone General, Kitwe Central and University Teaching Hospitals, provide psycho-social support to HIV positive children and their guardians through recreational activities, caregiver support groups and play therapy. This service compliments the hospitals medical support ensuring the well-being of the whole child.
Referrals and linkages with Kabulonga Cheshire Homes and Beit Trust Cure International Hospital support children for physical rehabilitation and surgical services while partnerships with WFP, PCI, ZOCS, Churches and other NGOs enable school feeding programs for OVC.
For more information on RAPIDS OVC programming, please contact Chibeta Nkwemu.
