Organiser:
CARE International UK and Save the Children UK

Supported by:
CARE and SCF

Description / Focus:
This symposium provides an opportunity for reflection and sharing of practical experiences in the use of economic strengthening interventions as an entry vehicle for delivering services to children affected by HIV and AIDS. This is in line with on-going international attention that is focusing on children for the first time: recognising that they are more often than not, left out of HIV and AIDS Programming. The Symposium, organised by CARE International and Save the Children, is aligned to the Conference theme (A Time to Deliver) by focusing attention on services that have either been delivered or could be delivered to orphans directly or indirectly through economic strengthening interventions as an effective tool in having a positive impact on improving the well-being of OVC.. The hypothesis is that economic strengthening activities are an integral component for the most effective OVC interventions. The event brings together eminent personalities from the NGOs, academia, the UN and the private sector to consider the implications of the escalating impacts of the pandemic on OVCs. Panellists and participants will have an opportunity to debate on the best approaches to addressing the urgent problem of OVCs and make practical proposals that NGOs, Governments and others can implement to better meet the practical and strategic needs of affected children. The Objectives  - To provide an opportunity for sharing knowledge, ideas and experiences in implementing programmes targeting orphans and vulnerable children.  - To share best practices from programmes that meet the economic and psychosocial needs of orphans and vulnerable children  - To explore ways in which OVCs can be brought from the periphery to the centre of HIV and AIDS programming.