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Children - 4.1 Aims and Objectives
Recognising this fact along with the implications of the growing HIV epidemic, the Khmer HIV/AIDS NGO Alliance (Khana) with the support of USAID through the AIDS Alliance, decided to investigate the situation of children affected by HIV/AIDS in Cambodia. The aim of the appraisal was to gain a qualitative snapshot of the needs and resources of children affected by HIV/AIDS in Cambodia. A secondary aim was to build capacity in appraisal facilitation amongst NGO partners.
Qualitative data from the appraisal, together with existing quantitative data and literature about children and AIDS in Cambodia, is intended to inform further action. An up-to-date bibliography of lessons learned around the world is also included in appendices 3 and 4. Most immediately, this information will feed into Khana planning of technical support to NGO partners on integrating services for children affected by HIV/AIDS into ongoing prevention and care work. It is also hoped that after translation and dissemination, this report will act as a catalyst for other organisations to further consider addressing the needs of children. Finally, it is anticipated that the act of participating and facilitating the appraisal will in itself make people think about the issues facing poor and vulnerable children.
The objectives of the appraisal were to work with a wide range of individuals and organisations to:
1. Determine vulnerability/resilience factors for children
2. Explore how HIV/AIDS-related life events impact on these factors
3. Identify the range of needs specific to children affected by AIDS
4. Identify existing resources which could or do address these needs
5. Identify barriers to addressing these needs
6. Suggest strategies which would begin to fill existing gaps in service provision
Fact
It was realised that a definitive piece of work on this subject would take much longer than the time available, but it was felt that issues raised by the appraisal could be flagged for further research at a later date, or investigated by other organisations.