AEGiS-10IAC: Models of counselling and support in resource poor countries.

10th International AIDS Conference


Yokohama, Japan — Aug 7-12, 1994

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Models of counselling and support in resource poor countries.

Int Conf AIDS 1994 Aug 7-12; 10:5 (abstract no. PS8)
Ungphakorn J; ACCESS, Bangkok, Thailand.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this plenary presentation are to examine the long-term needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and their families for counselling and other forms of psychosocial support, and to suggest some appropriate models of counselling and support services for resource poor countries.

METHODS: The presentation is based on the experiences of ACCESS (a Thai NGO) in operating counselling and other support services in both urban and rural settings, as well as the experience of other organisations in Thailand. WHO materials have also been studied.

RESULTS: Counselling services and support groups play an essential role in providing people affected by HIV/AIDS with long-term support to cope with their situation, especially in settings where social stigma and discrimination are high. Many clients require anonymity as well as confidentiality. Services can be well run by volunteers within the community, provided they have appropriate attitudes and access to training.

CONCLUSION: Much of the need for counselling and support for people affected by HIV/AIDS is caused by social reactions rather than the virus itself. The best psycho-social support lies in the development of enlightened social attitudes towards HIV/AIDS.

Keywords: AEGIS, Counseling, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Health Resources, HIV Infections, Poverty, Social Support, Health Services Needs and Demand, HIV Seropositivity, Organizations, Thailand, Human, ICA10KWDaegis,counseling,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,healthresources,hivinfections,poverty,socialsupport,healthservicesneedsanddemand,hivseropositivity,organizations,thailand,human,ica10
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PS8

Copyright © 1994 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.