Gordon E. Ogutu, Mr, JHRC, P.O.BOX 6101,Kondele, Kisumu, Kenya, 254 733 715 391, ellyogutu@hotmail.com

Issues: Home Based Care services for AIDS patients as best solution for decongesting hospitals

Description: A five-year community-based HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care (HAPAC) project was implemented in Nyanza Province, Kenya by 120 Community Based Organizations (CBOs). The local stakeholders were sensitized and actively participated in project’s interventions and mobilised resources for project’s sustainability. The trained community health workers provided home care services to HIV infected and affected persons, facilitated referrals to hospitals and support institutions, provided orphan care including food supplements. The health workers also trained home caregivers and conducted health education programs using local multimedia strategies. The CBOs networked with local agencies, solicited resources and distributed health promotion materials printed in local languages to the target population.

Lessons learned: a) Active participation of local stakeholders in AIDS program enhances sense of community ownership and sustainability measures.

b) Strengthening linkages between community health workers and health facilities enhances quality services for referred patients.

c) Abject poverty situation retards AIDS programs in poor resource areas.

d) The AIDS orphans situation poses a serious socioeconomic and political challenges.

Recommendations: (a) Since CBOs implement 80% of the country’s HIV/AIDS interventions, more resources should be channelled to strengthen community initiatives.

(b) Effective home care programs should incorporate poverty alleviation strategies in addressing low socioeconomic status of target population, otherwise the vicious cycle of poverty and HIV/AIDS infections will continue.

(c) Appropriate Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) materials and Home Based Care (HBC) kits should be developed to compliment HIV/AIDS interventions conducted by community health workers.

Learning Objectives:

To inform the conference delegates the following;
• The vital role-played by Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in provision of home care services for HIV infected and affected persons in poor resource areas.
• To justify the urgent need to refocus /advocate for more resources to strengthen community initiatives or CBOs, the major stakeholders in grassroot HIV/AIDS interventions thus compliment government efforts in limited resource settings.
• The long-term effective strategy in HIV/AIDS prevention and care programs involves active community participation, empowerment and addressing sustainability measures. 4) To share the lessons learned and best practices with other stakeholders involved in Community home care HIV/AIDS programs in disadvantaged areas among vulnerable population.

Keywords: Community-Based Health Care, Challenges and Opportunities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.