Worldwide, the number of children underage 18 who have lost one or both parents to AIDS stands at more than 14.3 million (UNAIDS, UNICEF & USAID, 2004). Many more children live with one or more chronically ill parent. The vast majority of these children live in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the recognition of the magnitude and negative consequences of this problem, there is little evidence on "what works” to improve the well-being of children affected by HIV/AIDS. Given the lack of information on the impact of care and support strategies for OVC, there is an urgent need to learn more about how to improve the effectiveness, quality, and reach of these efforts. In an attempt to fill these knowledge gaps, MEASURE Evaluation is conducting targeted evaluations of five OVC programs in five unique settings — two in Kenya and three in Tanzania. The Pathfinder International’s COPHIA was selected as a priority program for the evaluation.

COPHIA is funded by the Emergency Plan through USAID. The program focuses on building resources within communities to address the needs of PLHA and OVC. COPHIA program strategies are in alignment with Emergency Plan strategies, particularly the strategy aimed at mobilizing and supporting community-based responses. COPHIA strengthens community-based response through efforts to build the capacity of local organizations and community volunteers to provide HBC as well as a variety of other support services. COPHIA provides training and small grants and initiates activities to strengthen networking among local stakeholders. As a result, communities are empowered to address the psychosocial, education, nutrition, health, protection, and economic needs of OVC and PLHA.