Psychosocial support for children affected by HIV/AIDS

National Center for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC) with the technical support of TPO Nepal and financial support of UNICEF (1 October 2009 to 30 October 2012), developed and endorsed the national level guideline to mainstreaming psychosocial support for the children affected by HIV/AIDS in the interventions of Nepal Government.

Furthermore, TPO Nepal implemented the psychosocial support project for children affected by HIV/AIDS and their families in Sunsari district. Based on learning and best practices, the project had been replicated in Kailali and Aacham. A comprehensive community psychosocial support program was developed, comprising of three layers of support from basic psychosocial orientation to specialized care for severe cases. To develop a supportive environment, TPO conducted psychosocial training for teachers, health workers and local organizations working closely with persons living with HIV/AIDS. Project services included assessment, individual and family counseling, regular health checkups by a health professional, cultural programs, street dramas and other awareness raising program for community members on the psychosocial impact of children affected/infected by HIV/AIDS.