AEGiS-15IAC: A new life project for people with HIV/AIDS and their families, the network of PLWHA and their families in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

A new life project for people with HIV/AIDS and their families, the network of PLWHA and their families in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. E10399)

Soulinphoumy KS
Norwegian Church Aid, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic

ISSUE: Savannakhet is in the central region of Lao PDR, with the population of 757,950 people. The cumulative number of HIV infected people from 1993-2003 is 524 persons, AIDS cases is 303 persons and deaths from AIDS is 252 persons. Ninety percent is from sexually transmitted, and their ages ranged from 13-39 years old. Among HIV infected 53.9% are farmers. HIV/AIDS infected are discriminated by families and communities, consequently, some families are separated.

DESCRIPTION: In the year 2000, a Care and Support Unit at the Savannakhet provincial Hospital was set up by Secretariat of the Provincial Committee for the Control of AIDS. Further they set up a Network of PLWHA and their families, which began with 5 HIV infected persons. By now there are already 111 people in the Network from 9 districts. They meet once a month and have their health check up by medical staff. 45 PLWHA's were trained about HIV/AIDS basic care, counseling skills, communication and 20 persons have became volunteers in campaigning against HIV/AIDS at their communities. They also carry out the HIV/AIDS Campaign activities together with the Village Committee for Control of Aids.

LESSONS LEARNED:: Providing counseling, education and information is important and necessary for creating a better understanding among care-givers, communities, PLWHAs and their families. Thus facilitating networking through various activities such as music dance and sharing their experiences with HIV is important. RecommendationsLocal people and car-givers should have understanding about the national strategy on HIV/AIDS prevention and care for PLWHA. The strategy is clearly spelling out the necessity of family and community care of PLWHA.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, HIV Infections, Social Support, Family, Health Planning, Research, Health Services, Health, Counseling, Health Services Needs and Demand, Infection, Delivery of Health Care, Population, Laos, United States, organization & administration, education

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E10399