Monitoring Outcomes of PEPFAR Orphans and Vulnerable Children Programs in Nigeria: Widows and Orphans Empowerment Organization (WEWE) 2016 Survey Findings

Author(s): Walter Obiero, Elizabeth Omoluabi, Akanni Akinyemi, Adesegun Fatusi

Year: 2017

Abstract:

Investment programs to improve the well-being of approximately 17.5 million orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and their households in Nigeria have been substantial, yet their impact is uncertain (United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief [PEPFAR], 2012). To address this uncertainty, in 2014, PEPFAR introduced a set of outcome indicators for OVC programs, referred to as the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER) Essential Survey Indicators, with the requirement that they be collected every two years by a research organization external to the OVC program. These outcome indicators reflect internationally accepted developmental milestones and collectively measure the holistic well-being of children over time. This survey was designed to use a standard method developed to apply across multiple countries to provide measurable indicators on PEPFAR-supported projects that aim to improve the well-being of OVC in Nigeria.

The objective of this survey was to collect the first round of the nine essential outcome indicators for enrolled active beneficiaries of the Widows and Orphans Empowerment Organization (WEWE). This survey provided the first estimates of these indicators and will be repeated at two-year intervals to monitor changes in the well-being of OVC and their caregivers over time. This report shares findings of the WEWE survey.