title: Closing the implementation gap in services for children affected by HIV/AIDS: from assisting orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) to providing long-term opportunities for economic growth.
abstract: While delivering innovative care for over 17 million children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS is a priority for today's global health community, most of these children's health needs remain unmet. Concerns about funding, implementation, and transparency continue to obstruct quality care for all. This paper discusses why services supported by macro-level funding, local initiatives, innovative financing, and enhanced long-term development strategies, are imperative. Concurrent advocacy and preventive measures, such as universal access to education, can sustain this investment in human capital. Such efforts may enhance economic growth, expand local capacity, and improve the quality of life in communities currently burdened by the HIV epidemic.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Medical School, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA. mksfawzi@msn.com
authors.forename: Mary C Smith
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Fawzi
authors.forename: Susan R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Holman
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kiley
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Barry
authors.forename: Sachini
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bandara
authors.forename: Arlan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fuller
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002651:Child Advocacy; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D054540:Child, Orphaned; D057217:Economic Development; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology; D006284:Health Plan Implementation; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D012944:Social Support; D013997:Time Factors; D035862:Vulnerable Populations