Community involvement in HIV/AIDS prevention: the TASO approach.
Int Conf AIDS 1993 Jun 6-11; 9:117 (abstract no. WS-D14-3) Kabanda M, Coghlan A, Mulindwa-Sempungu S, Katende M, Musungu M;
ISSUE ADDRESSED: Because of the heterosexual nature of HIV transmission, high prevalence rates and limited resources in Uganda, communities must be more involved in designing and implementing HIV/AIDS prevention programmes. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: In 1990 The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) began the Community Initiatives (TCI) programme in order to increase knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention, promote positive attitudes toward PWAs, increase community involvement in prevention and care activities, and change sexual behavior. TCI assists communities to form village committees and select volunteer workers who educate community members in prevention and home care, distribute condoms and make referrals for counselling. ACHIEVEMENTS: TCI is working in 17 communities with 560 community workers. Results from a mixed-methods formative evaluation of two TCI communities show increases in knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention, willingness to provide care to PWAs, and practicing abstinence and "zero grazing", and changing perceived community norms. LESSONS LEARNED: Although community participation in educational events is high, community income generating activities supporting prevention activities have yet to be established. Community-based prevention strategies appear to be effective, yet gaining community support is difficult due to poverty and high expectations for material assistance. More effort needs to be placed on facilitating greater community ownership of the programme.
Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Consumer Participation, HIV Infections, Condoms, Counseling, Home Care Services, HIV Seroprevalence, Heterosexuality, Attitude, Uganda, prevention & control, transmission, ICA9 930606
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