Supporting Early Child Development (ECD) in HIV/AIDS Programs for Africa Mary Eming Young HDNED

Topics Why it is important to address ECD in HIV/AIDS programs for Africa What is the purpose of the ECD HIV/AIDS guide? How governments can partner with civil society to support ECD HIV/AIDS interventions

Children Affected by HIV/AIDS refers to: Children ages 0-8 who are – Infected with HIV or Are vulnerable because of AIDS in their communities and families. Children ages 0-8 have different needs than older children.

Potential Negative Consequences for a Child Born in an AIDS-affected Community

ECD Interventions Comprehensive packages of Health Nutrition, and Care or education Community-based In homes, community settings, centers, schools Organized and supported by public and private sectors Operated by ministries, local NGOs, communities, and parents.

10 Potential Direct Beneficiaries of ECD Activities in AIDS-affected Countries Young children who are HIV positive Young children whose parents are very ill with HIV/AIDS and/or opportunistic illnesses Orphans and unaccompanied children Young children in institutions All parents and caregivers of young children

Direct Beneficiaries (continued) Households with young children whose caregivers are overwhelmed Households headed by elderly caregivers Households headed by children Women who can obtain information on HIV/AIDS through ECD services Communities threatened by HIV/AIDS.

What Is the Purpose of the ECD HIV/AIDS Guide? To help country stakeholders rapidly operationalize ECD activities in their community responses to HIV/AIDS. The Guide can help governments Define an action plan and implementation strategy for meeting the broad needs of young children that involves all appropriate ministries and district offices. Scale up ECD responses within MAP projects and with other available resources.

Who Is the Guide For? The guide is principally intended for: –HIV/AIDS practitioners –NAC and NAS staff –Line ministries with responsibility for young children –CSO staff and community leaders –Staff of bilateral and multilateral agencies –Planners of HIV/AIDS and life skills education programs.

What Does the Guide Provide? Guidance to develop national ECD policies, programs, and interventions; multi-sectoral ECD approaches; and ways to advocate, implement, monitor, and evaluate efforts Suggestions for interventions A resource for other national HIV/AIDS programs

The Guide Includes Descriptions and Indicators for 5 Effective ECD HIV/AIDS Interventions: Delivery of services to young children Education and support of parents Training and support of caregivers (including economic enhancement activities) Sensitization of the public, through the mass media, to the value of ECD Mobilization and strengthening of community- based activities to protect and improve the care of children. A strong public-private partnership is needed for all these interventions!

How Can Governments Partner With Civil Society? ECD interventions depend on public and private support Partnerships between governments and CSOs are essential CSOs are effectively delivering ECD services to thousands of disadvantaged communities worldwide Through grants to CSOs, governments can support a many diverse activities at all levels of society.

ECD Guides for HIV/AIDS Operational Guide for Supporting ECD in Multi-sectoral Programs in Africa Amber Surrency and Richard Seifman World Bank 2003