Improving Care of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in South Africa

Doctors for Life International (DFL), an ecumenical advocacy and health-delivery organization based in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), established Operation LifeChild (OLC) programs in more than two dozen communities in South Africa. OLC provides for the children caregivers and mentors, material needs such as food, medicine, and clothing, shelter and security when necessary, and finally love and spiritual guidance. However, the demand for services exceeds the organization’s available resources. As a result, DFL has been unable to plan and implement a comprehensive care model. The objective of the workshop was to make recommendations as to building capacity and sustainability, as well as improving overall OVC care.