AEGiS-14IAC: From awareness to concerted action: Systematic development of a community-supported response to HIV/AIDS.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

From awareness to concerted action: Systematic development of a community-supported response to HIV/AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. F11804)

Ntlabati PL, Kelly KJ
Centre for AIDS Development, Research and Evaluation (CADRE), Grahamstown, South Africa

BACKGROUND: The paper describes an action research project which began with contextual analysis of mediators of youth responses to HIV/AIDS and proceeded to development of a community-supported framework of concerted action. It explores community development challenges involved in responding to HIV/AIDS in a resource poor environment and in particular looks at the need for frameworks for supporting changes in a long term and structural way. The location is 13 villages grouped together in a deep rural area of the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

METHODS: Data collected: 5 focus groups on youth responses to HIV/AIDS; 12 interviews on changing patterns of sexual debut and changing regulatory practices around youth sexuality; a survey of the orientation of youth to AIDS prevention, care and support; interviews with service providers; and meetings held as part of the participatory action research process.

RESULTS: Changing patterns of sexuality and challenges to HIV prevention are described relating to: sexual debut; age mixing; lack of local opportunities; changing family structure as a response to migrancy; poor service delivery; and the influence of injectable contraception. The intervention promoted intersectoral collaboration, sensitized participants to the advantages of an action research model, built the capacity of educators, nurses and community leaders, and promoted social cohesion. The emerging model involves all sectors of the community including the elderly, youth, churches, tribal authorities, parents, and education, health and welfare services. Essential elements of the model are described and achievements of the project are outlined. An analysis of some factors militating against community mobilization is provided.

CONCLUSION: Effective response to HIV/AIDS requires mobilization not only of community members, but strategic development of a broad based structure for social development, to support more specific agendas such as the need for behaviour change.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, Residence Characteristics, HIV Seropositivity, Sex Behavior, Health Services Needs and Demand, Consumer Participation, Focus Groups, Interviews, Research, Adolescent Behavior, South Africa, Adolescent, Human

020707
F11804