Health and Nutrition Programmes

Adequate health and nutrition is essential for the healthy development of children. Families affected by illness may not be able to work or provide proper care. Children in these situations are at risk of dropping out of school in order to care for a sick adult and work in order to replace lost income. If the caretaker dies from the illness, the child risks a number of negative outcomes including living on the street or being placed in institutional care.

The provision of free or affordable health and nutrition services is vital in the protection of children and in reducing separation from their caretakers. This need is extremely prevalent in areas affected by large scale HIV/AIDS infection rates, poverty, and armed conflict.

Children who have been abused or exploited require immediate health screening to identify and treat potential injury and infections. Medical testing and treatment should be delivered in a child sensitive manner, with consent and confidentiality standards strictly adhered to. Significant health interventions should also be accompanied by psychosocial services, education, and family support.

The resources in this section provide guidance and examples of protection projects which include health and nutritional support.

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Finding a Way Forward: Principles and Strategies to Reduce the Impacts of AIDS on Children and Families

John Williamson, 2000

Provides a multi-level approach for the analysis and development of context-specific interventions in communities affected by HIV/AIDS epidemic. Includes discussion of microfinance services, and highlights several community-based programs.

The Impact of the Bolivian SOS Social Centers

Nancy Ardaya Salinas, 2000

Extensive report on the institutional- and family-level impacts of SOS Social Centers in Bolivia. Includes recommendations and lessons learned.

Free online course: "Screening Children for Feeding Difficulties"

SPOON,

This course is for caregivers and professional service providers working with children with disabilities, children at risk of family separation, or children in alternative care. SPOON designed this free course to unpack the components of mealtime that can be used for screening, how to differentiate food textures, and how to identify feeding difficulties and opportunities to support caregivers.