Beyond beneficiary numbers: A multi-country midterm OVC program evaluation

Background: In 2004 Catholic Relief Services (CRS) began implementation of a 5-year PEPFAR-funded OVC program in 5 countries: Haiti, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia. CRS undertook a midterm evaluation to assess implementation and to improve services to OVC. Methods: Two groups, ages 7-12 and 13-18, were surveyed. 225 OVC in each age group were interviewed in each country equaling 1,125 surveyed OVC. Rwanda and Tanzania also selected a comparison/control group. Results: Education: 94-99% of OVC regularly attended school; 3 of 4 children indicated that they passed final exams. Illness was the most common reason for school absence. Health: Illnesses were common, but these children accessed care. The highest proportion, 1/3, of OVC who report they do not receive treatment live in OVC headed households. Payment for health care is largely provided by caregivers and parishes. Nutrition: Most OVC reported “sometimes” having enough to eat. Very few OVC reported eating protein-rich foods daily. There was a statistically significant link between food aid and OVC reporting always having enough to eat. Risk Behaviors: Risky behaviors such as early sexual involvement, and drug/alcohol consumption, were less commonly reported by church-going OVC. Quality of Life: less than half of the OVC surveyed had birth certificates in Tanzania, Zambia, and Kenya. Conclusions: This report confirms that CRS' OVC Programs have provided a number of important services to OVC. Additionally, the evaluation provided insight into the need for linkages to food aid and for increased life skills education, child protection services and psychosocial training for caregivers.