How best to enable support for children affected by HIV/AIDS? A policy case study in Tanzania

Much is known about national policies, plans and programmes relevant to children and HIV/AIDS, but it is inadequately systematised and analysed. Policies are important to promoting child wellbeing. But their importance in affecting actual wellbeing varies - some can draw political attention, get translated into programmes, attract resources and are implemented, while others lie on shelves. Why is this? This case study analyses three recent policy/programme developments regarding child wellbeing in Tanzania and examines the political 'drivers of change' that influence policy and action on child wellbeing: the promotion of children's rights, the Primary Education Development Plan (PEDP), and programmes on social protection of vulnerable children. The central concern is the best way to enable support for children, and especially the most vulnerable children, given limited resources and often weak administrative structures, within a keen appreciation of the policy/politics dynamic. © Institute of Development Studies.