Addressing the special needs of orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs): A case study in Kien Svay district, Kandal province, Cambodia

Abstract

The impact mitigation for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) has continued to be prioritized as an 
immediate measure and action which is clearly stated in a newly-launched comprehensive National 
Strategic Plan III (2011 - 2015). With an effort of the national response, OVCs have gained wider access 
to health services but only very little access to social supports such as educational and economic 
development. In a detailed study of HIV impacts and responses to OVCs in Kien Svay district of Kandal 
province, Cambodia, it was found that educational and economic development is the only way out to 
breaking a poverty cycle of OVCs and of their families. Since the educational and economic 
development support needs high and long-term investment, the government plays a very important role 
in coordinating and launching a nation-wide scheme with the insurance of sufficient funding