Framework for Strengthening Integration of Mental Health in Programs for Children Orphaned or Made Vulnerable by HIV (OVC)

Mental health is a fundamental component of adult, child and community health and well-being. When mental health is not considered or addressed, there can be significant impacts on an individual, the family and the community.

This paper aims to provide a framework for existing OVC programs to consider and improve integration of mental health in cost-effective ways. It builds on the review of published literature, HIV and caregiver common mental disorder: Synergistic impacts on child development and entry points for interventions, released by Coordinating Comprehensive Care for Children (4Children) in 2018, and is informed by inputs from six 4Children programs (DRC, Haiti, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria and Uganda).