Learning how to measure the well-being of OVC in a maturing HIV/AIDS crisis

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa is frequently referred to as a crisis while the principal U.S. program to address it is labeled emergency relief. These terms trigger specific policy responses and corresponding evaluation activities. In this article, three stages in the response to HIV/AIDS are distinguished: awareness, emergency, and structural integration. In the awareness phase, emphasis is on defining and then estimating the affected population. In the emergency phase, evaluation activity is focused on demonstrating accountability for the assistance provided; and finally, in the structural integration phase, concern shifts to demonstrating the impact of assistance on improving the recipients' well-being. The shifting focus of evaluation is discussed in terms of how to measure the impact of aid on the well-being of orphaned and vulnerable children. A case study based on work in rural Tanzania is presented and then discussed in term of its broader implications for evaluating future aid.