The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #66130

Cary A. Johnson¹, William O Fleming, MSPH², and Clarence Hall, DrPH². (1) Africare Zimbabwe, PO Box 308, Harare, Zimbabwe, (2) HIV/AIDS Unit, Africare, Inc., Africare House, 440 R St. NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202-462-3614, wfleming@africare.org

Men play a critical role in the transmission or prevention of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa, yet few projects involve men in prevention and care efforts. The Mutasa Male empowerment program in Zimbabwe contributes to the reduction HIV/AIDS/STD transmission by raising awareness of HIV AIDS and actively involving men in education and care giving efforts. This project increases access to HIV/AIDS care and support, including prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections; improves economic and nutritional status of home based care clients; and provides a forum for HIV+ people to share experiences through support groups. The project has trained 80 male home care volunteers in taking patient history and exams; basic nursing and infection control; caring for sick children; VCT and counseling; positive living; and bereavement. Volunteers use IEC materials created for the project to raise awareness of HIV in the communities and families they serve. A home care registry and referral network support the home care activities. Volunteers provide outreach, support, and education to affected families to reduce stigma and increase families' ability to care for HIV+ individual. The project has supported the development of support groups among PWAs and men's groups for sharing of information and discussion of men's role in the transmission of HIV in the community. The Mutasa project represents an innovative approach to addressing the impact of HIV at the community level and the gender and societal norms that exacerbate the spread of HIV.

Learning Objectives:

• • Describe the unique role of men in fueling the growth of the HIV epidemic, particularly in the context of Zimbabwe.
  • Discuss challenges of increasing involvement of men in efforts to reduce HIV transmission and mitigate the impact of the HIV epidemic in affected communities.
  • Identify successful approaches to increasing male involvement and the impact of these approaches on the community.

Keywords: Gender, Community-Based Health Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.