The stated goal of ReACH is to increase the number of orphans and vulnerable children who receive a comprehensive package of age-appropriate services that mitigate the impact of HIV&AIDS, while at the same increasing the capacity of caregivers to support these children. It is being implemented in 133 Quintiles 1–3 schools* in three districts (namely Ugu, King Cetshwayo and Harry Gwala) in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. ReACH’s key activities include (i) the delivery of age-appropriate services (SRHR [sexual reproductive health and rights] education, psychosocial support, curricular and co-curricular support) to the beneficiaries; (ii) HIV testing and support services through establishing partnerships with clinics and local NGO partners; (iii) capacity-building training for educators on the SIAS (Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support) Policy.
ReACH runs from 1 October 2016 to 30 September 2017, and is funded by FHI 360. NACOSA (the Networking HIV & AIDS Community of Southern Africa)) is the principal recipient of the grant, with MIET AFRICA as its implementing partner.
* Public (i.e. government) schools in South Africa are divided into five quintiles, with Quintile 1 being the poorest, and Quintile 5 being the best resourced.