National and Local Government Support Responsibilities towards OVC
(see page 109)Some further responsibilities of national and local government towards orphans and vulnerable children
are:
National Ministries of Gender, Labour, Social Development and Welfare need to ensure provision of
quality services for OVC. The ministry, therefore, plays a lead role in the implementation of policies
and aid the co-ordination of programmes related to OVC. This entails:- Spearheading the development of the national strategic programme plan of interventions
- Developing policy guidelines
- Initiating legal instruments to support the implementation of the policy
- Publicising and popularising the policy
- Initiation of legal instruments to support the implementation of the policy
- Working with CSOs and other development partners to ensure effective and efficient
resource allocation and use in conformity with government policies and strategies - Mobilising resources and capacity building
- Promoting of initiatives aimed at addressing the needs of OVC
- Researching and disseminating information.
Ministries or government agencies responsible for childcare, support and protection, education,
health, psychosocial support, socio-economic security and capacity enhancement for improved OVC
service delivery are responsible for ensuring implementation of the policies and programmes in the
respective sectors. The roles include:- Development of sectoral implementation guidelines
- Building capacities in the respective sectors
- Integration of OVC concerns in sectoral policies, programmes and plans
- Quality assurance in the respective sectors
Provincial or regional level government implementation of the policies and programmes include:- Planning and implement programmes for OVC
- Maintaining a management information system on OVC
- Initiating specific bylaws and ordinance to support the implementation of the OVC policy
- Sensitising and training district local leaders and technical persons in provision of services that
target OVC - Mobilising and allocating resources for implementation of the policy
- Co-ordinating, supervising and monitoring the implementation of the policy at district and
local levels.
Local level authorities are responsible for:- Incorporating OVC concerns in the plans and budgets
- Mobilising, allocating and utilising funds for implementation of the policy
- Ensuring data on OVC is collected, collated and disseminated for improved targeting and
OVC service delivery - Co-ordinating activities of OVC stakeholders at the community or district levels.
(^348) Appendix 2, Further Infomation Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children