Ella M, Boupda A, Mpoudi N, Betima J; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1996 Jul 7-12; 11: 504 (abstract no. Pub.D.1427).
National AIDS Control Program, Yaounde, Cameroon. Fax: (237) 22-67-19. E-mail: fhi-@ameroon@fhi.org.
Issue: People living with HIV/AIDS (PWAs) in Cameroon are facing greater social, psychological and economic problems including stigma, discrimination, isolation, fear and non access to appropriate treatment for opportunistic infections or trials. Project: PWAs attending supportive counseling sessions at the National AIDS Control Unit were individualy encouraged to join together in a self help project. The project goal was to bring together PWAs in order to enable them to share life experience and care, to build working capacity among themselves, to educate the community and families, and to fight for their rights. Results: Since 1992, 25/31 PWAs joined the group (unfortunately 3 of them had passed away). Two HIV Antibody Test Counseling Trainings were held for PWAs. A national Counseling and Health Care policy had been developed. The group had received financial and moral support from the government and international organizations. The sensitized families of PWAs have gradually developed positive attitudes towards HIV+ people. Members of our group are very well integrated in the society and are carrying out HIV prevention activities in the community. Lessons learned: PWAs are our best educators. Therefore, they should be considered not as part of the problem but part of the solution.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Attitude
- Behavior
- Cameroon
- Counseling
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Services
- Organizations
- organization & administration
- therapy
Other ID:
UI: 102221762
From Meeting Abstracts