The government of Swaziland estimates that 20% of their population could die from AIDS related diseases by 2010 and that currently 40% of their pregnant women are HIV positive. In response to this sweeping epidemic, Maternal Life International of Butte, MT (non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the life and dignity of the human person through training and resource assistance) received a grant from the “Secure the Future Foundation” of Bristol Myers-Squibb to implement “A New Robe: Parish Nursing in AIDS Prevention and Care” in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Manzini, Swaziland. 16 parish nurses from across Swaziland were prepared in January 2001 to begin work in their home parishes as care providers, health educators and counselors, referral agents and integrators of faith and health using the New Robe model of compassionate care which focuses on the gift of human consciousness. This presentation will present this faith-based model and the current outcomes of these pioneering parish nurses for Swaziland, Africa. See www.maternallifeintl.com or www.carroll.edu/parishnurse
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Describe the New Robe Model of compassionate care for HIV/AIDS prevention and care in Swaziland, Africa. 2. Identify the role of the parish nurse in providing care to his/her individual faith community. 3. Discuss this model and its application to other world-health settings.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Faith Community
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Maternal Life International, Butte, MT
Parish Nurse Center, Carroll College, Helena, MT
Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries, Portland, OR
Caritas, Catholic Diocese of Manzini, Swaziland, Africa
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am director of the Parish Nurse Center, and employed by Carroll College, Helena, MT