ASPIRES Quarterly Report FY2016 Q3

For example, they increase the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, and HIV/AIDS can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase individuals' social vulnerability. Vulnerability factors like poverty, social isolation, and HIV infection can have far-reaching consequences, increasing health and well-being risks for households and communities. Where it compromises children's well-being, vulnerability can have negative consequences over lifetimes. Girls are disproportionately vulnerable in most societies, and the links between maternal health and child outcomes mean that follow-on effects of this heightened vulnerability can be generational. Traditional economic strengthening (ES) programs, such as microfinance and workforce training, effectively target the economically-active general population, but they do not adequately consider the distinct needs of vulnerable children and other highly at-risk populations at the household level. What is needed are specialized interventions to strengthen household economic security and promote better outcomes for these populations. ASPIRES is a PEPFAR- and USAID-funded ES project focused on vulnerable populations, especially those affected by HIV. The project aims to promote evidence-based practice by providing technical assistance (TA) for integrated ES programming most consistent with positive livelihood, health, and well-being outcomes. At the same time, ASPIRES strengthens the evidentiary record through rigorous research so that future programming efforts have stronger foundations. Research is at the heart of the ASPIRES identity, and all projects begin with a systematic interrogation of the existing evidence base in relevant program areas. Major investments are made in original evaluation research of the highest possible rigor, both for course correction in implementation and to add to the evidence base. ASPIRES provides limited direct implementation, instead focusing on providing existing USAID-funded projects with TA and research related to ES. This allows the project to balance collaboration necessary for in-depth research with independence from program operations. In this manner, ASPIRES generates findings that contribute to identifying a core set of pathways to greater resilience for vulnerable individuals and households, and that provide insight into effective, efficient, and scalable interventions to achieve the desired impacts. ASPIRES has no single theory of change; it is open to all manner of integrated ES interventions of interest to USAID and PEPFAR stakeholders, with the ultimate aim to shape interventions around the best evidence available. Major accomplishments in HOP-supported projects for FY2016 Q3 included analysis of the quantitative and first qualitative phase data under the Mozambique Strengthening Communities through Integrated Programming (SCIP) research, and support to Kenya under the DREAMS STTA fund. Under COP-supported activities, ASPIRES began work on a case study of the Community Care Program (CCP) in Mozambique that will examine the effects of programs for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and receipt of governmental social protection services on child wellbeing and household resilience in households with OVC. Developments in ASPIRES' work in South Africa included the finalization of revisions to the Impumelelo (financial capabilities) mentors guide, delivery of refresher TOT courses, and support to the South Africa DREAMS Technical Assistance (TA) project. ASPIRES' work in Mozambique also included the initiation of a case study on the Community Care Program (CCP) that will assess the impact of the program on child wellbeing and household resilience in households with OVC. The project aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of the CCP in promoting child wellbeing and household resilience, and to inform the development of similar programs in other countries. In addition, ASPIRES provided technical assistance to the Mozambique government to support the development of a national strategy for OVC programming. In Kenya, ASPIRES provided technical assistance to the DREAMS STTA fund to support the implementation of DREAMS programs in Kenya. The project aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of the DREAMS program in reducing HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women, and to inform the development of similar programs in other countries.