Psychosocial Support for Orphaned and Vulnerable Children with HIV/AIDS in Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

South Africa has an estimated 2.5 million children aged from birth to 14 years who have lost one or both of their parents due to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). There is a scarcity in the psychosocial support aspect of improving orphaned and vulnerable children’s (OVC) adherence and retention of HIV/AIDS treatment. This study explores and describes the achievements of the SARCS community intervention that the South Africa Red Cross Society (SARCS) undertook in providing psychosocial support to OVC infected with HIV/AIDS in Maluti sub-village in the Matatiele Local Municipality, in Alfred Nzo District, Eastern Cape, South Africa. A descriptive qualitative design of appreciative inquiry was conducted to assess OVC’s perceptions regarding the effectiveness of the SARCS community intervention. Data collection was done using the World Café method, which makes use of an informal café setting where participants can explore an issue by discussing it while seated in small groups around tables. Thirty OVC between the ages of 13 and 17 years were purposively sampled and moved between tables at fixed time intervals, and in small groups discussed the questions that were channelled through an interview guide. The study established that OVC can thrive when their psychosocial basic needs are met. The SARCS Maluti project was instrumental in forming synergies in the cultivation of support systems between the OVC and the communities in which they reside when addressing psychological and socio-economic issues and HIV/AIDS. The study made recommendations that emphasised the importance of applying a holistic approach and the positive aspects of the inclusion of activities in addressing the OVC’s needs and their psychological adaptation.