Implementing Multiple Gender Strategies to Improve HIV and ... - ICRW

• Quantitative data collection: During the pilot phase, three quantitative
quality-of-life surveys were conducted, within intervals ranging from six
to nine months, to determine the program’s impact. The respondents
were the repeat adult index clients enrolled into the program; children
were excluded from the survey due to ethical review protocols.
Outcomes that were monitored include improvement of health status,
retention of children in school, and general improvement in quality of
life and well-being of the family.
Evaluation Results • Project reach: The program served 1,000 families with a total of 4,435
individuals (2,015 adults and 2,420 children).
• Monitoring: Findings from analysis of data collected in diaries indicate
that household incomes increased; women were economically
empowered through training on small enterprise development and
business skills to strengthen or start small businesses; and women now
play an active role in decision-making and providing for their families.
• Quantitative data collection: Findings show that very few HIV-positive
clients were bedridden; for those who were, it was for shorter periods of
time than before the program. Also, more children enrolled and stayed
in school, and the general health of family members improved markedly
during program participation.
Replication and
Scale-up Activities
• Many other countries where FHI currently operates are planning
replication of this model.
• The pilot project operated only within Nakuru municipality but was
scaled up to new sites, including the Njoro division in Molo district of
Rift Valley province. In the latter site, 245 families have been recruited,
bringing the total number of families recruited in the program to 1,245.
The family-centered approach for orphans and vulnerable children and
people living with HIV is being replicated with PEPFAR funding in 15
districts in the province.
• New clients were recruited within the existing sites, increasing the
number of beneficiaries from 2,338 during the pilot phase to 4,435
currently.
LESSONS LEARNED AND CHALLENGES
Key Findings and
Lessons
• Program staff and volunteers need to be prepared to work with multiple
approaches and to remain flexible. Sometimes, approaches that had
previously worked cease being effective. For example, the program
initially worked successfully with paralegals, but later found that
community mediators became more effective.
• Gender-based programming is usually difficult at first because this is a
new way of programming, but in end, the benefits are worth the effort.
The programs using gender-based programming are more solid and
sustainable because they address issues that, if left unaddressed, will
recur.
62