Conducting a Participatory Situation Analysis of.pdf - Global HIV ...

programs. It concludes with analyzing the information
gathered, identifying geographic and programmatic priorities,
and making specific recommendations for
improving the quality of life for vulnerable children
and their families. The resulting analysis findings provide
a basis for decisions on how and where to direct available
resources so they benefit those most seriously affected
by HIV/AIDS.
Specifically, a situation analysis is a process for uncovering
what is known and needs to be learned about the status
or condition of orphans and vulnerable children with
regard to the following:
• Demographics
• Physical and psychological status
• Education
• Economic issues
• Laws and policies regarding children’s rights and
protection
Why Assess the Situation of Vulnerable
Children?
It may be asked, “Given the urgency of the situation,
why take valuable time and money away from interventions
to collect data?” In any situation, the impacts of
HIV/AIDS on children and families result from many
interrelated factors, such as the local pattern of the
spread of HIV, economic circumstances, service availability,
resources, public knowledge, attitudes, and awareness;
sociocultural and legal environments; leadership
and policy framework; and many others. The nature and
intensity of the problems caused by HIV/AIDS and the
responses needed vary among communities and countries.
Conducting periodic analyses of the situation of
orphans and vulnerable children will help stakeholders
more effectively and efficiently mobilize and use internal
and external resources. The information derived from a
situation analysis makes it possible to base decisions on a
realistic understanding of which of the above factors are
the most significant in the target area and how these factors
relate to each other in causing or mitigating problems.
In short, output from assessing the situation of
HIV/AIDS-affected children can be used to:
• Promote advocacy efforts at multiple levels
• Plan strategically at the national level for OVC
• Assess the scale of the crisis on children
• Define or refine interventions
• Mobilize social and community activities
• Build capacity of organizations
• Plan, enhance, and expand programs
• Monitor and evaluate
If a situation analysis is to lead to effective decision-making,
planning, and action, it must not become an end in
itself, but rather a means for building consensus and
momentum toward effective actions.
A participatory situation analysis is a cornerstone activity
for countries aiming to meet the orphans and vulnerable
children goals outlined by the United Nations General
Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on HIV/AIDS.
The consultative process undertaken and dissemination
of the results help mobilize stakeholders—a key ingredient
to achieving UNGASS goals (see following text box).
Stakeholders can use situation analysis findings to formulate
decisions on a national action plan and related coordinating
structures to support vulnerable children and
their families. The findings can inform and orient the
process for undertaking the policy and regulatory reforms
needed to reinforce the national action plan. Finally, the
review aspect of situation analysis strengthens a country’s
strategy for monitoring and evaluating efforts intended
to benefit OVC.
II. Using This Guide
Who Will Use This Guide?
This Guide is designed for individuals who can influence
actions at the national or sub-national levels to improve
the well-being of OVC. Such persons include policymakers,
program managers, government officials, or other
stakeholders affiliated with nongovernmental, community-based,
or faith-based organizations or with educational
or healthcare systems. There is a range of uses for the
information generated: from improving delivery of care
and support services to developing a communication
program focused on care-seeking behavior and stigma
reduction. Therefore, the usefulness of this Guide
increases as the range and variability in the background
and positions of the persons involved increases.
As presented in this Guide, the situation analysis process
needs a Situation Analysis Manager, who ideally has a
primary stake in the process and the results. The
Situation Analysis Manager is likely to form an Advisory
Team (or steering committee) that will actively oversee
the analysis process, from planning to disseminating
results. Alternatively, an existing group of stakeholders
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