304411
Disability and HIV/AIDS status influences actual and perceived household behaviors and access and utilization of health and education services in Chongwe, Zambia
Findings:
- 92 people self-identified as a PWD in 35% of HIV/AIDS-affected households
- 88% of PWD wanted access to additional health and education services, many did not feel these were available to them
- 56% of PWD sought care and support from government sources, while 22% did not seek care or know services existed
- Almost half of PWD were not involved in age-appropriate educational or economic opportunities
Next steps:
- Drivers of HIV/AIDS and poverty in these households are self-reinforcing
- Research for greater understanding and data on PWD and PLWHA needs and services
- Inclusion of PWD in HIV/AIDS prevention education, VCT/ART, care, support
- Inclusion of disabled persons organizations in program design, research, HIV/AIDS services
Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health educationProgram planning
Public health or related public policy
Learning Objectives:
Discuss dual drivers of vulnerability when living with HIV/AIDS and disability
Describe vulnerabilities of persons with disabilities and HIV/AIDS and their access to and use of services, i.e. education and health
Keyword(s): Disabilities, HIV/AIDS
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a public health professional working in international development for over twelve years providing technical assistance to HIV/AIDS, school health and nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, inclusive developement programs most recently in Liberia, Zambia and Haiti. I have a MA in International Development concentrating in Public Health and a Certificate in International Population and Reproductive Health.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.