The HIV epidemic in South Africa is drastically increasing the number of orphans and vulnerable children in our community. Madwaleni Hospital, the Department of Social Development (DOSD) in Elliotdale and the leaders of our community have identified the need for setting up a programme that will assist these children in a holistic manner close to their homes. 

The intention is to ensure that this Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) programme is set up and functioning well within the community so that as the numbers of orphans and vulnerable 

children further increase, an effective community support structure already exists and is supported by the Department of Health (DOH) and DOSD.

The caregivers of the orphans and vulnerable children in our community in most cases do not have the financial means (as they are supporting a number of children on very little to no income) 

or the ability (they are often old grandmothers who do not understand the processes) to access proper healthcare or social services for these children. These orphans and vulnerable children 

are therefore further disadvantaged by the inability of their caregivers to access the necessary holistic support which they require and are entitled to in terms of government policy.

It is for this reason that the OVC programme attempts to bring the services close to the homes of the caregivers and assist them by determining the needs of the child that are not being met and assisting with meeting these needs. 

Overview of OVC programme

Contact information

Donors