In April 2018, Stellenbosch University joined the Initiative as its MEL Partner to examine the Hilton Foundation’s role and influence in improving developmental outcomes for young children (ages 0 to 5) affected by HIV and AIDS. This report presents a synthesis of the key Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) reflections on the activities of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation’s Young Children Affected by HIV and AIDS Initiative over the first two years (2017 and 2018) of the current five-year Phase II commitment.
The aim of the Hilton Foundation’s Young Children Affected by HIV and AIDS Initiative is to improve the developmental outcomes of all young children (0 to 5 years) affected by HIV and AIDS in Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia by 2030, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4.2. Evidence indicates that a critical pathway to improve early childhood development (ECD) outcomes is to build the capacity and skills of caregivers to provide nurturing care (which includes good health, adequate nutrition, responsive caregiving, early learning and safety and security). Phase II of the Initiative is identifying, testing and delivering quality program approaches to improving caregiving in communities with high HIV prevalence. Phase II of the Initiative focuses on three primary objectives– advancing programs, strengthening systems, and building the evidence base.
In this inaugural report, Stellenbosch University describes the Initiative’s current context and areas of recent progress, and offers recommendations for further advancing its goals to support young children and families.