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 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 and 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 Tumaini Home-Based Care Program was selected as a priority program for the evaluation.

CARE leads an alliance of organizations that provides organizational and technical support to local sub-grantees. The alliance is funded by the Emergency Plan through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). At the time of the case study, Tumaini Alliance technical partners included Family Health International (FHI), Heifer International, and Centre for Counseling, Nutrition and Health Care (COUNSENUTH).Drawing on the potential of civil service organizations and in response to the needs of children, youth, and families, Tumaini Alliance partners collaborate in supporting 23 local sub-grantees to provide HBC for families affected by HIV and AIDS in five regions of Tanzania. Tumaini program strategies are in alignment with Emergency Plan strategies for serving OVC, particularly the strategies focused on strengthening the capacity of families to protect and care for OVC, and on ensuring OVC access to essential services. The program addresses both PLHA and OVC needs through support to local HBC providers serving families affected by HIV and AIDS.