10th International AIDS Conference Yokohama, Japan — Aug 7-12, 1994

Int Conf AIDS 1994 Aug 7-12; 10:400 (abstract no. PD0782)
Tibenderana RK; UNV Home base care (and Support) Specialist, Zambia.

OBJECTIVES: 1. Magnitude & animation and discussion of the problem of HBC communities and well-wishers. 2. Analyzing effects of foster caring of AIDS orphans.

METHODS: 1. Counselling in the HBC offices and hospital wards brings different people together. 2. During home visits, clinics and during participation in community based activities, AIDS patients and their relatives are also met and counselled. MAJOR PROBLEMS: 1. High mortality rate among HIV-positive children. 2. Lack of care, proper upbringing and proper alienation due to stigma in society. 3. Lack of guidance and vulnerability to antisocial problems of alcoholism and prostitution, etc. 4. Lack of material support. 5. Lack of information, contact and communication of potential supportive child welfare agencies. 6. Deprivation of birth right, eg. property, education , shelter, clothing, etc. 7. Early loss of parents results in premature household responsibilities. 8. Grandparents get overburdened--inadequate support. WHAT HBC TEAM AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS: 1. HBC counselling HIV-positive parents, provision of ongoing support of treatment, material assistance, soliciting for material and financial assistance for the AIDS orphans. COMMUNITY MEMBERS: Fostering AIDS orphans with various families. Income-generating activities to assist in caring for AIDS patients and thereafter the AIDS orphans.

CONCLUSION: Inspite of the joint efforts from the Zambian government; International organisations and local NGOs, the problem of AIDS orphans is growing into crisis proportions in Zambia especially in Kasama District, due to limited resources available.

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