Improving the lives of Orphans and Vulnerable Children

The National AIDS Programme Secretariat of the Ministry of Health plays a very important role in the lives of orphans and vulnerable children. These children have basic needs which are important matters for all concerned.

As part of the National Plan of Action for Orphans and other Vulnerable Children (OVC), the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, Human Services & Social Security are addressing the needs of children and their caregivers. Twenty two orphanages are now equipped with household articles, kitchen utensils and recreational equipment under the minimum standards guideline rule. This will ensure that every child within orphanages have their own bed, adequate play space, equal access to education, health care and a safe and comfortable environment.

To this end, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security handed over to three orphanages a total of $1,705,382 worth of household articles and recreational items. The beneficiaries were Mahaica Children's Home, the Drop-in- Centre and the Cheshire Home for Spastic Children. Among some of the items received were first aid kits, fire extinguishers, furniture, kitchen utensils, household appliances, kitchen garden equipment and recreational items.

These children can now enjoy basic minimum standards set out by the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security.

(Source: NAPS News April 2007, Vol 2, Issue 1)

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