|
|
Abstract
Community based service delivery
A J Mrema
VUKA Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Background
HIV/AIDS is an issue of concern in Tanzania. The number of new infections is rising very fast. The number of homebound patients is alarming. Stigma and discrimination towards HIV/AIDS has become brother and sister. Many programs failed to address these problems to the family level. This paper will share the experience of VUKA Tanzania whose pilot project has shown success in addressing the above issues.
Methods
A community based project at Temeke district was designed as a pilot project trying to empower the local community address the problems posed by AIDS pandemc. 25 streets of Temeke mostly affected by AIDS were identified. A street leader from each street was invited to a three-day workshop to discuss the means of addressing the problems of AIDS pandemic in their areas. They came up with the idea that, two committed persons, male and female, should be selected from each street and be trained as community health care workers. These leaders took the initiative of selecting the volunteers to be trained. 50 volunteers attended a three-week course on prevention, care, community mobilization, skills of communication and relationship, and knowledge on HIV/AIDS.
Results
The commitment of these volunteers was seen after the course. In collaboration with their leaders, support groups were formed in each street. Under the facilitation of health workers, these groups meet to discuss HIV/AIDS problems. Their discussion covers the following: risky behaviours that expose people to HIV infection in their street; means to support poor families with AIDS patients to access nutrition and drugs; also means to support orphans in their street. This project has proved its success as support system has been created, stigma and discrimination have been minimized.
Conclusions:
As HIV/AIDS is rampant over our communities, it is time for local communities to mobilize themselves to fight it. They have the capacity and commitment for action.
The XIV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
MoPeF3911
Suggested Citation
" A J Mrema ,
Community based service delivery.
Poster Exhibition:
The XIV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
MoPeF3911"
|
|
|