Empowering Better Care?

Economic strengthening for OVC caregivers in Uganda

Presented by The Salvation Army World Service OfficeApril 23, 2013

Introduction

The Salvation Army, in collaboration with Pact, implemented an OVC program in Uganda and Tanzania, integrating empowerment of caregivers with community mobilization on psychosocial support for OVC. These are the results from an evaluation of the program in Uganda.

WORTH Model

WORTH is a microfinance and empowerment program through which women:

generate savings, gain access to training and loans for

small businesses, and teach themselves to read and write

The goal is holistic empowerment and sense of agency

WORTH & Community Action Teams

WORTH works alongside Community Action Teams (CATs)

CATs are trained to: 1) facilitate conversations about HIV/AIDS

and OVC care;

2) conduct in-home counseling to children and caregivers; and

3) organize Kids and Youth (KAY) Clubs

Summary of ResultsEvaluation found evidence for the following: oWORTH provided new economic opportunities for women

o WORTH empowered women beyond economic strengthening

o OVC in WORTH households measured higher levels of well-being

o Caregiver empowerment appears to be a critical factor in OVC well-being

Nutrition & Food Security

Health & Hygiene o More Clean Water: 15-19% highero Greater use of family planningo Greater Use of Hygiene Items

Health & Hygiene:

WORTH caregivers appear to be more attentive to the health status of OVC and more active in seeking better quality of care when children are sick: more likely to know if an OVC was actually

sick better able to diagnose the illness for OVC

and determine the best treatment

Shelter

• Better condition• Better organization & hygienic• Better repairs

Finances

Finances

Outlook on Life

Improved life outlook (hope)

Higher levels of happiness

Increased income Improved

financial status

Linkages to an OVC Economic Strengthening Framework

Stage Worth Activity or OutcomeRecover assets and stabilize household consumption

Asset transfer via OVC fund

Build self-insurance mechanisms and protect key-assets

Strong social networksSavings

Smooth household consumption and manage household cashflow

Financial literacyCredit access

Smooth household income and promote asset growth

MicroenterpriseBusiness Training

Expand household income and consumption

Recommendations1. OVC or health-centered focus: Clearly rooted in support

for OVC welfare

2. Promote women’s community leadership

3. Holistic approach to empowerment of caregivers

4. Strategic focus on levels of economic strengthening (consider partnerships): Provision, Protection Promotion

5. Set clear health outcome indicators for financial service programs

6. Account for other barriers to health status and behavior: beyond financial status and awareness to structural barriers

Thank you! Questions?