Improving Health and Social Outcomes for Children through the Use of a Community Caregiver Service Provision Model in Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire has one of the highest adult HIV prevalence rates in West Africa; HIV has directly affected an estimated 440,000 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). Some support programs use community caregivers (CC) to provide care and support to children left vulnerable by the epidemic. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact that the use of a CC service provision model had on outcomes for children orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS in Côte d’Ivoire. A sequential mixed-methods design was used, making use of both quantitative (survey) and qualitative (focus group and interview) data collection and analysis. The study found that CC has had a significant impact on OVC’s lives, improving both social and clinical outcomes. OVC working with a CC had greater access to care than those not supported by a CC. Findings suggest the CC intervention model should be formalized and embedded into the government welfare and healthcare system in Côte d’Ivoire.