What Works for Women and Girls

1. Increased financial and other support is needed for adults, especially grandparents, caringfor orphans. Studies found families caring for orphans lacked adequate food and nutritionand reported financial difficulties in meeting basic needs.Gap noted, for example, in Uganda (Kintu et al., 2008); Kenya (Muga et al., 2009);Botswana (Miller et al., 2006, Heymann et al., 2007); and Malawi (Huijbregts et al.,2008).2. Increased psychosocial support is needed for caregivers. A study found that caregivers needpsychological support.Gap noted, for example, in Tanzania (Nyangara et al., 2009).3. Interventions are urgently needed to help girls enroll (and stay) in school. [See also Chapter11E. Strengthening the Enabling Environment: Advancing Education] Studies found that girlsaffected by HIV are more likely to be out of school, despite the protective factor of educationin reducing the likelihood of HIV acquisition.Gap noted, for example, in a systematic review (Irwin et al., 2009); Thailand(Yoddumnern-Attig et al., 2004); Tanzania (Wobst and Amdt, 2004); South Africa(Horizons et al., 2004); Kenya (HRW, 2003).4. HIV/AIDS programming should also reach young children. A review found that despitethe impact of investing in early childhood interventions, few HIV/AIDS programs exist foryoung children.Gap noted, for example, in a systematic review (Irwin et al., 2009) and review of NationalPlans of Action for OVC (Engle, 2008).5. Improved and timely access to antiretrovirals is needed for orphans. A study found thatorphans were more likely to be at WHO clinical stage 4, and need timely treatment initiation.Gap noted, for example, in Uganda (Ntanda et al., 2009).6. Interventions are needed to assist parents to disclose and dying of AIDS with planningfor the future well-being of their children. [See also Chapter 11C. Strengthening the EnablingEnvironment: Transforming Legal Norms to Empower Women, including Marriage, Inheritanceand Property Rights] Studies found that many parents dying from AIDS had not writtenwills nor provided custody arrangements for their children.Gap noted, for example, in Kenya and Tanzania (Nyangara et al., 2009, Hunter andWilliamson, 2000).366 CHAPTER 12 CARE AND SUPPORT