Challenges to Implementation:
Nairobi’s Slums, home to 60% of the city’s 3 Million residents, account for most of the families affected by
HIV/AIDS. Commitment levels among community members to fight HIV/AIDS are hampered by poverty,
over-dependency on NGOs and general lack of participation. Other challenges include multi-ethnicity
and the migrant nature of slum populations.
In 2005 HWWK started implementation of the household - based approach to OVC care and support in the Mukuru
Slums, home to a population of 250,000 at the time. All the above challenges were faced. Efforts used many resources and served few children in the area.
Intervention or Response:
Work began in Mathare Slums (population about 600,000), with a new approach involving the community. Mapping
showed a strong presence of informal schools run by community groups--also the presence of Mathare Rotary
Community Corps, (RCC) a community group working with the Rotary Club of Nairobi, a partner with HWWK.
The RCC assisted in identification of institutions, teachers and community members with special interest in children’s issues who could be trained. After training, Kids Clubs were formed as outlets for providing
emotional support and to help identify children needing material support.
The different actors meet monthly under the auspices of the Community Child Care Forums (CCCF) to discuss
challenges, successes, lessons learned and best practices. Recommendations are forwarded to the Government
instituted Area Advisory Councils (AAC) and other NGO’s for input on resource mobilization and technical assistance.
Results and Lessons Learned:
Through this strategy, 1,482 OVC in Mathare were supported in the last 2 years. Replication with equal
success in other HWWK urban sites -- Dandora, Huruma and Mukuru reached over 10,000 OVC’s.
Through the CCCF meetings caregivers have formed support groups to address and improve income generation.
Through joint community activities CCCFs have mobilized resources; raised awareness on children’s
issues; and created an OVC referral point for community members. Cases of neglect and abuse have been reported
and brought to the attention of relevant authorities. Introducing monetary assistance to communities before
they engage in activities focused on solutions to care for OVC affects sustainability.
Key Recommendations:
A community approach to mitigating the challenges of HIV/AIDS works best when involving the whole community as members feel part of the solution.
This abstact was compiled and authored by George Khisa, Caleb Odhiambo, Nicholas Njoroge, Gladys Wainaina, who are members of HWWK's Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) program team, and Malinda Wheeler (HWWK Country Director).
It was delivered at the 2008 HIV Implementers' Meeting as a poster presentation by OVC Program Officer, George Khisa (right).
Back to Home Page
