RIATT-ESA and SADC convene a Regional Learning and Linking Forum for Accelerating Delivery of Comprehensive Services for OVCY, 9th -10th February 2017, South Africa.

The Forum will bring together experts from national and regional civil society organizations (CSOs), international cooperating and development partners, and Member States to share lessons learnt and experiences in the delivery of comprehensive care and support services for OVC and youth. Drawing on “what works”, delegates will identify partnerships and mechanisms to accelerate effective national implementation of the MPS and PSS Framework in a coordinated and holistic manner, with a view to contribute to realizing the SDG targets and UNAIDS 90 x 90 x 90 Ending AIDS agenda.

The Learning and Linking Forum brings together more than 50 partners, stakeholders, and Member States in Eastern and Southern Africa, to:

a) Exchange lessons, working models and good/promising practices in delivering comprehensive services for orphans, vulnerable children and youth

b) Deliberate and agree on results and time-based partnerships, collaboration and joint implementation arrangements in support of national implementation of the Minimum Package of Services for OVCY (MPS).

Some of the partners represented at the Forum include UNICEF, Save the Children, REPSSI, HEARD.

Watch this space for outputs of the meeting. Follow #OVCYforum for updates on the meeting.

The meeting will be held after a two-day consultation (7-8 January) to develop a SADC Business Plan 2017-2020: Comprehensive Care and Support for OVC&Y.