This report discusses the role of older carers in supporting orphans and vulnerable children, and a recognition of the economic and social importance of this relationship in combating poverty and HIV/AIDS. This report shows that - provided appropriate support is available - older people and orphans and vulnerable children can overcome some of the challenges posed by theHIV/AIDS epidemic.

The case studies featured in this report describe ways of dealing with some of the difficulties faced by older-headed households. Thesecommunity-driven programmes demonstrate the impact that minimal additional resources and appropriate technical support can have. They cover a responses, including the use of non-contributory pension schemes in South Africa, home-care services in Zambia (which have enabled families to stay together), and training for older people to be counsellors in Sudan. In Vietnam, older people's clubs, ledby local leaders, are helping older people to cope with the stigma and discrimination in their communities.

Topics included:

• The impact of HIV/AIDS on older carers and orphans andvulnerable children
• Poor health status
• Reduced access to education
• Exclusion from prevention programmes
• Psychosocial trauma
• Targeting HIV/AIDS information at older people