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8.2.2 Reducing access barriers
OVC programs should maximize integration opportunities that reduce barriers to health and nutrition services, recognizing that decisions about service access are made at the household level and influenced
by communities and the systems through which the services are delivered. Establishing health insurance opportunities, encouraging health-seeking behaviors while providing HES, and facilitating coordination
between OVC program volunteers and community health workers are possible areas where integration can serve to reduce access barriers.
OVC programs should identify sustainable approaches to reducing barriers, so that access to health and nutrition services continues beyond the time frame and parameters of the PEPFAR-funded program.
These approaches should be family-centered and child-focused, consistent with the overall OVC program approach. Assistance such as insurance opportunities or fees paid through HES earnings should
not be limited to a few members of a household. Interventions should positively impact the well-being of all children and caregivers in the household, which is ultimately in the best interest of children
infected or affected by HIVAIDS.
A family-centered approach to health and nutrition also helps strengthen links between community- and facility-based services. This can lead to benefits such as more families knowing their HIV status, more
mothers seeking PMTCT services, and more caregivers adhering to treatment regimens that keep them healthy and better able to support the children targeted by the OVC program.
8.2.3 Medical care and commodities PEPFAR OVC funding does not provide direct HIV-specific medical care, which is covered by pediatric
treatment and care funding. It is critical, however, that OVC programs help ensure that children and their caregivers are able to access HIV-specific services. Programs should link with PEPFAR-supported
HIV treatment, care, nutrition, and support services in addition to government- and other donor- supported HIV services. As part of the transition from an emergency response to a long-term sustainable
espo se, OVC p og a s should p i a il fo us o sustai a le i te e tio s that ei fo e fa ilies or o
u ities lo g-term capacity to respond to the health and nutritional needs of children infected and
affected by HIVAIDS. Short-term interventions such as one-off fee payments and distributions of food and other consumables should be a minimal portion of any OVC program, to be used only in extreme
and emergency situations.
At the household and community levels, this translates into a stronger focus on health and nutritional skills building, HES opportunities, negotiating fee waivers or reductions at the facility level, facilitating
linkages between community and facility-based services, and improving access to health insurance. At regional and national levels, programs are encouraged to leverage opportunities within child vaccination
campaigns, ITN distributions, and other child-focused initiatives through integrated planning and priority setting. PEPFAR support via OVC programs that are integrated with child survival, PMI, and other health
and nutrition programs must be proportional based on the number of children infected or affected by HIVAIDS within a targeted population. These funds should focus on sustainable interventions e.g.,
system strengthening versus commodity procurement already captured under allied GHI programs.
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8.2.4 Formal linkages and referral systems
Kategori