This report describes findings from an evaluation of Sustainability through Economic Strengthening,
Prevention and Support for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Youth and Other Vulnerable
Populations (STEPS OVC). STEPS OVC is a large USAID-funded program implemented from 2010-
2015 in Zambia that provides a range of health and social service interventions to orphans and
vulnerable children (OVC) and people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV). The interventions range from
building the capacity of local partners, caregivers, and communities to care for their vulnerable
members to providing services directly to individuals to meet their basic needs.
To determine STEPS OVC’s impact, the evaluation, conducted between 2011 and 2014, assessed
changes in well-being, HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and practices, and access to HIV prevention
and care and support services among program beneficiaries. The research design was a modified
quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test study. This report presents findings from the evaluation from
three population groups: OVC, basic care and support beneficiaries (adult PLHIV), and community
caregivers.
Findings
STEPS OVC was found to have significant positive impact in a number of areas, including knowledge
about HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment, perceived stigma facing PLHIV and OVC, perceptions
around gender-based violence, and food security. From baseline to endline, community caregivers
had improved their capacity to provide services and reach clients. More detailed findings are
described below.