Monitoring the Outcomes of Orphans and Vulnerable Children Programs in Namibia: Findings from 2016–2018 Panel Data

The study aimed to monitor the outcomes of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) programs in Namibia, using data from two rounds of panel studies conducted in 2016 and 2018. The study focused on six health districts in three regions in Namibia, with a total of 1,200 households participating in the survey. The households were selected through a combination of household listing verification and community tracing and verification. The survey collected data on various indicators, including the percentage of children whose primary caregiver knows their HIV status, the percentage of children who are undernourished, and the percentage of children who are too sick to participate in daily activities. The study found that the percentage of children whose primary caregiver knows their HIV status increased from 2016 to 2018, from 63.1% to 73.1%. The percentage of children who are undernourished also decreased, from 24.1% to 19.1%. However, the percentage of children who are too sick to participate in daily activities remained relatively stable, at 12.1% in 2016 and 11.9% in 2018. The study also found that the percentage of children who have a birth certificate increased from 2016 to 2018, from 44.1% to 51.1%. The percentage of children who regularly attend school regularly also increased, from 63.1% to 71.1%. However, the percentage of children who progress in school during the last year remained relatively stable, at 55.1% in 2018. The study found that the percentage of caregivers who believe that harsh physical punishment is an appropriate means of discipline or control in the home or at school decreased from 2016 to 2018, from 34.1% to 26.1%. The percentage of households that are able to access money to pay for unexpected household expenses also increased, from 2016 to 2018, from 44.1% to 51.1%. The study's findings suggest that the OVC programs in Namibia have had a positive impact on the lives of orphans and vulnerable children, particularly in terms of access to education and healthcare. However, the study also highlights the need for continued support for these programs to ensure that the gains made are sustained over time. The study was conducted by a team of researchers from MEASURE Evaluation, Palladium, and Survey Warehouse, with support from USAID and PEPFAR. The study's findings are based on data from two rounds of panel studies conducted in 2016 and 2018, with a total of 1,200 households participating in the survey. The study's methodology is described in detail in the study report. The study's results are presented in a series of tables and figures, which provide a detailed picture of the outcomes of the OVC programs in Namibia. The study's findings are also discussed in the discussion and recommendations section, which highlights the implications of the study's results for policy and programming. The study's methodology is described in detail in the study report, which includes information on the study design, data collection methods, and analysis. The study's results are presented in a series of tables and figures, which provide a detailed picture of the outcomes of the OVC programs in Namibia. The study's findings are also discussed in the discussion and recommendations section, which highlights the implications of the study's results for policy and programming.