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Abstract
The power of partnership and networking in expanding the impact of community based prevention and care programs
D Dortzbach
World Relief, Nairobi, Kenya
Issues: Many community-based AIDS programs begin with a clear focus of what aspects of the AIDS problem they intend to address but within one or two years have greatly expanded their activities due to donor trends and perceived needs. The result is community-based programs that are stretched beyond their technical and material capacity to support quality interventions.
Description: The Faraja Home Based Care project serves more than 250 households in a peri-urban slum in Nairobi, Kenya. The project started in 2001 through local initiative with the aim of training community-based volunteers to provide basic nursing care and spiritual support to PLWA and their families. It quickly became apparent that there was great need for additional services including orphan support, treatment, and economic strengthening for caregivers and patients. Instead of expanding the focus of the project, Faraja has partnered with existing initiatives including a TB treatment clinic, a women's weaving project, and companies in the private sector able to provide school fees and other orphan support.
Lessons learned: The success of this project indicates that community-based organizations should provide services that match their objectives and specialty rather than trying to be jacks of all trades and masters of none. Partnership allows community based organizations to maximize their limited resources by keeping the professional staff ratio low and drawing on technical expertise and proven experience of other established programs. Faraja's volunteer network provides an effective means for identifying needs and facilitating referrals. Partnerships and networking are particularly effective in urban areas where many NGOs and CBOs are established. Through partnership and networks, community based organisations can more effectively influence government policy and advocate for needs of PLWAs.
Recommendations: As programs expand into new areas, community based initiatives will be encouraged to follow these partnership and networking principles.
The XV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
WePeE6867
Suggested Citation
" D Dortzbach ,
The power of partnership and networking in expanding the impact of community based prevention and care programs.
Poster Exhibition:
The XV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
WePeE6867"
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