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Abstract
How networking has enhanced work with children affected by HIV/AIDS in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa - the CINDI (Children in Distress) Model
Y M Spain
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Issues : South Africa has a total of 4.2m HIV/AIDS infected people. (UNAIDS June 2000). It is estimated that there are currently 10 000 - 50 000 orphans in and around Pietermaritzburg. (pop 521 711). CINDI was formed in July 1996 when local NGO’s realised
that the scale of the impact of HIV/AIDS on children would overwhelm them unless they developed a
collaborative coping strategy.
Description : The paper will illustrate the evolution of the CINDI Network, profile its members ( over 35
organisations and 25 individuals), examine its activities, and analyse its benefits to members. The presentation
will explain the concept of the CINDI Working Groups in which interested members come together to identify
problems and attempt to solve them through collaborative action. These Working Groups address Research,
Administrative Justice for Children, Education Access, Housing Access, Medicines Access, Home Based Care
Training (in isiZulu for people with limited literacy), Access to Palliative Plants (the propagation and
distribution of two indigenous plants for use by people with skin diseases and thrush), Nutrition Resources and
Information, Local Government Partnerships, and Junior Schools’ Outreach to Affected Children.
Lessons Learned : "The advantages of a network of organisations working together for the benefit of children
in distress are obvious from the CINDI example. Not only are there advantages for the individual organisations
from working closely with each other, but their collective strength enhances the overall ability to cope with the
magnitude of the problem.". (Save the Children UK Report on Children Living with HIV/AIDS in SA, A
Rapid Appraisal by Rose Smart, May 2000).
Recommendation : Networking is an effective intervention for organisations and individuals who work with
children affected by HIV/AIDS, and the CINDI Network provides a best practice model of collaboration.
The XIV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
MoPeF4078
Suggested Citation
" Y M Spain ,
How networking has enhanced work with children affected by HIV/AIDS in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa - the CINDI (Children in Distress) Model
.
Poster Exhibition:
The XIV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
MoPeF4078"
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