Strategies for action

The importance of focusing on the needs of orphans and vulnerable children as a result of HIV and AIDS has been identified by a number of international organisations. This issue has been made a particular focus in recent strategies to fight the AIDS epidemic. UNICEF's Framework for the Protection, Care and Support of Orphans and Vulnerable Children Living in a World with HIV and AIDS outlines 5 key strategies to tackle these issues.

• Strengthen the capacity of families to protect and care for orphans and vulnerable children by prolonging the lies of parents and providing economic, psychosocial, and other support.
• Mobilise and support community-based responses to provide both immediate and long-term support to vulnerable households.
• Ensure access for orphans and vulnerable children to essential services, including education, health care, birth registration, and others.
• Ensure that governments protect the most vulnerable children through improved policy and legislation and by channeling resources to communities.
• Raise awareness at all levels through advocacy and social mobilisation to create a supportive environment for children affected by HIV and AIDS.