AEGiS-15IAC: Women involvement in support goup activities in Zambia.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Women involvement in support goup activities in Zambia.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. B10387)

Kunda WV
Kabwe DHMT, Kabwe, Zambia

ISSUES: There has been more women involvement in support group activities, primarily because of their significant role as care givers and as pillars at both family and community levels. Those with the expectation that the same service would be provided to them in time of need. The support groups surveyed relied exclusively on the volunteer work of their members. Those involved in AIDS education and community mobilization, community based care, income generating activities and supportive counseling.

METHODS: The National survey covered all nine provinces of Zambia and 56 districts were reached. Data was collected using structured interviews based on primarily lists of support provided by the net work of Zambian people living with HIV/AIDS and the UN Volunteer programme on HIV/AIDS.

LESSONS LEARNED: Support groups and community net work should be provided as an integral intervention in HIV prevention and AIDS care.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Health Services, HIV, HIV Infections, Zambia, Voluntary Workers, Health Education, HIV Seropositivity, Residence Characteristics, Caregivers, Health Services Needs and Demand, Consumer Participation, Humans, Female, organization & administration

040711
B10387