From June 2013 to June 2018, the Inuka Community based OVC project (ICOP)–funded by USAID and successfully implemented by Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team (AMURT)– aimed at expanding service coverage and improving the overall well-being of 11,000 OVC in Bondo and Rarieda Sub-counties of Siaya County. Key lessons learned from the project include:
- Early communication and preparation of exit strategies ensures smoother project close out; there is need to have a clear time-frame for OVC transition from one project to another.
- Effective stakeholder’s involvement in OVC service provision ensure continuous service provision to key services; e.g, integrating rigorous HIV prevention measures at household levels and close engagement with health facilities for viral load tracking for children screening and retention in care.
- Case management approach is effective in preparation and eventual graduation of households.