5. Conclusion

Together with its partners, the Emergency Plan is committed to providing effective and significant support to the orphans and other vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS and, in the coming years, to turn the tide against HIV/AIDS. Supporting OVCs is a major priority of the U.S. Government. While scaling up is imperative, it is also important that programs reflect sound practices, are evidence-based; remain sensitive to the dynamics of the local epidemic, the cultural context of each country and the national strategy of host Governments; and work to meet the needs of OVCs in a measurable way. As the technical literature and sound practices evolve, the EP will undoubtedly revise and retransmit this guidance.

The challenges of a rapidly escalating population of HIV/AIDS-affected children in resource-poor countries require an accelerated and concerted effort. U.S. Government Country Teams should make their Technical Assistance (TA) needs known to their Country Core-Team Lead, who will inform the U.S. Government Technical Working Group on OVC. U.S. Government headquarters and field staff from other countries are available to assist Country Teams in designing, implementing and evaluating OVC programs. For information on the process for requesting TA, contact your PEPFAR country team leader.

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