AEGiS-15IAC: Counseling in Management of HIV among PLWHA in Lagos, Nigeria.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Counseling in Management of HIV among PLWHA in Lagos, Nigeria.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. B10144)

Owolade OE
Aids Alliance in Nigeria, Lagos, Nigeria

ISSUES: With the advertised and publicised government subsidised antiretroviral therapy for ten thousand (10,000) Nigerians, more people now seek testing without clinical symptoms to which a considerable number of people tested positive. The problem is now on how to cope with the knowledge and the psycho- social issues tha goes with it. Desciption: The study tools were broadly concentrated on qualitative data. Tools like observation, case studies, in-depth interview has got priority. Samples have been selected randomly and purposively. The group comprises about four hundred members, some of which had pre and/post test counseling and some with no counseling sessions at any point in time.

LESSONS LEARNED: PLWHA that have access to immediate post -test counseling after diagnosis were able to cope and make positive choices on management of infection, rather than stalling for symptoms and deplorable conditions. Adherence to ARV among PLWHA on Haart were discussed freely and efforts to improve on situations. Issues of discordant between couples were handled with involvement of spouse who has tested negative to HIV antibody.

RECOMMENDATIONS: In order to enhance positive living and survival skills among people lving living with HIV, teting centres should have facilities for pre and post test counseling.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Counseling, HIV Infections, Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active, Anti-HIV Agents, HIV Long-Term Survivors, HIV Antibodies, Foster Home Care, Nigeria, prevention & control, immunology, organization & administration, therapy, drug therapy

040711
B10144