Abstract Book Vol. 2 [International Conference on AIDS (14th: 2002: Barcelona, Spain)]

328 Abstracts WePeG6996-WePeG7000

XIV International AIDS Conference

WePeG6996 Risk reduction intervention aimed to marginalized
communities, in alliance with a faith-driven
organization
A. Romero1, I.C. Gallego2, N. Rosas', R. Garcfa Bernal3. 'Gesalde
Consultores, Cra 20 No. 61-10, Colombia; 2World Vision, Bogotd, Colombia;
3UNA/DS, Bogota, Colombia
Background: An alliance between the Colombian mission of World Vision and
a local NGO working in HIV/AIDS prevention was made with the support of UNAIDS. World Vision is a Catholic humanitarian organization working with poor
communities, with emphasis in abandoned children, and during last years has
focused its efforts in communities displaced by armed conflict.
Methods: Interactive training workshops - 8 hrs. duration - were conducted by
health professionals, aimed to social workers and health promoters from World
Vision in seven cities of the country Emphasis was given to humanitarian aspects. Prevention issues like condom use and sexual orientations were treated in
a delicate and respectful manner, taking into account the strong religious characteristics of audience. Participants were instructed to include prevention exercises
in their regular educational field work.
Results: A total of 210 staff from World Vision participated in the training workshops. An special workshop with member of the national WV directing body
was conducted. Initially, some participants showed resistance towards preventive messages related to condom use, but the training contents (self-steem and
responsibility issues) and methodology used, allowed to negotiate with them the
inclusion of condom use related messages within their educational replication activities. A change in the institutional policies in regard to sex and reproductive
health is being visualized within World Vision.
Conclusions: Alliances with faith-driven communities to develop and implement
HIV/AIDS related prevention activities, constitute an effective way to intervene
population groups served and benefited by their humanitarian actions. It is feasible to obtain agreements and consensus with religious groups, about issues
related to barrier methods for prevention of STDs.
Presenting author: Romero Arnold, Cra 20 No. 61-10, Colombia, Tel.: +57 1
2485250, Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]
WePeG6997 The religious sector sign a national commitment
agenda to work in HIV/AIDS prevention activities
N. Ramos1, X. Sierra2. 1Departamento ITS/SIDA/TB, Honduras; 2CARITAS,
Tegucigalpa, MDC, Honduras
Issues: The problems concerning HIV/AIDS require the involvement of many
groups at our society. Among those, the religous groups are among the most
important. Because our country is well stablished in religous and moral beliefs,
it has been proposed that the religious groups should strive to play an important
role in solving those problems.
Description: In the framework of a strategic plan, a proposition of coordination
from HIV/AIDS/TB Departament, was created. Therefore this proposal was directed to the religous groups and was shared and discussed with every church
including Catholic, Evangelical, Episcopal and Adventist denominations. This has
generated a wide coordination at the churches in which the leaders of each denomination has signed an agreement for the development of activities for prevention and attention of HIV/AIDS epidemic.They are working in order to achieve an
intereligious commission to figth against AIDS, creating programs of participation
and materials for activites of social movement.
Lessons learned: The religious group, is one of much importance, because of
its ideology about moral and spiritual issues, we need those to influence the formation and sexual education of others, to work together despite of their doctrines
or beliefs. Not trying to set them against each other or critizicing their doctrines,
but taking into account the basic help and encouragement they can provide under
their responsability.
Recommendations: We, as health makers, need to share and coordinate without ignoring other groups of our society. The problems concerning HIV/AIDS area
is a matter of each and every individual or organization that build up our society.
We need to respect each other, who in someway helps to achieve success for
human kind.
Presenting author: Norma Ramos, Departamento ITS/SIDATB, Apartado
Postal 3966, Tegucigalpa, MDC, Honduras, Tel.: [phone], Fax: +504
2373174, E-mail: divsida@ ns.paho-who.hn
WePeG6998 The role of social worker inner HIV voluntary
anonymous and free testing Center: example
SIDA-SERVICE testing Center Dakar - Senegal
A. Diop, P. Sambou, S.P Sagna, G. Diouf, M. Zo Angono, P Sagna. S/DA
Service, Dakar - Fann, Senegal

Background: Since the beginning of HIV infection, the screening of HIV was the
problem of doctors and biologists. In Senegal Sida-Service a catholic Association
created since 1992 has received a lot of PLWA for psychological care because
the counselling posttest was bad. Sida-Service has decided to create a voluntary
and anonymous center where social worker must do the counselling.
Objectives: to provide the counselling pre and posttest to everybody who need
a voluntary testing. To follow a social through PLWA who have been tested at the
Center.

Methodologies: In 1999 before that the testing activities begin, 3 social workers
have been trained during 3 weeks in counselling testing. The social files have
been elaborated and organisation of social work: meeting between social workers, meeting with the center staff for to discuss about the difficulties which have
been met during counselling seances. From January, 2000 the beginning of testing period: the social worker provide counselling seance, for peoples who have
been tested positive and accepted to move their anonymous status, social workers draw up a social file and they follow a regular social through. Social workers
have found some money for to create social economic activities for them.
Results: Augmentation of number of people who need test 900 in the first year
and 2000 in the second year. 98 PLWA have accepted to move their anonymous
status. 15 social economic activities had created and the responsibles had been
trained in management of social economic activities during 3 days, 8 meetings
between social worker and 2 with the staff.
Conclusion: This experience has helped SIDA-SERVICE to follow the best
through to the PLWA, and PLWA have good information in about HIV infection
and the treatments.
Presenting author: Angele Diop, SIDA SERVICE, Centre de Promotion de la
Sante, Extension Cite Keur Damel, B.P 15314 Dakar - Fann, Senegal, Tel.: +221
835.34.07, Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]
WePeG6999 Where ther is despair,let us bring hope - St.
Francis of Assisi
L.M. Knox. St Francis Care Centre, PO. Box 10214, Fonteinriet, 1646, Gauteng,
South Africa
Issues: It can be conclude that AIDS & poverty are closely related in S.Africa.
Poverty,due to lack of education & training gives rise to the inability to qualify for
employment,hence the poverty.
This opens the way for many forms of 'abuse'-Neglect of the elderlyLack of motivation for education,Drug & alcohol abuse,Lack of self respect,willing to have
sexual intercourse with anyone.
Description: I will show how a church fulfils the dreams of Fr. Stan Brennon,
creating an organisation that makes a difference in the lives many people. He
started a social upliftment program in 1966,1992 took on the HIV/AIDS epidemic,assisting the families & caring for the orphans & abandoned children.
To address the HIV/AIDS issue: we have (1) HIV/AIDS education programs directed at schools,churches,businesses,individuals.(2) Baby hospice, 30 children,
birth to seven years,in different stages of HIV/AIDS.(3)Adult section accommoding 28, the new wing (completed in March 2002), will give us 20 more beds to
cater for the sick who have been discharged from the hospitals. (4) Under resourced Home Based Care Program running in a few townships. Many of the sick
go home to a shack & cared for by our volunteers till they become very ill & are
transferred to the St. Francis Care Centre (2 & 3)(hospice) where we look after
their physical & spiritual needs,till they die often assisting with funerals for both
the adults & children.
Lessons learned: Encouraging the community to become part of the project
through the volunteer program they have ownership and pride in the project.
Recommendation: In S.Africa we have multi-denominational churches in all areas. The resources available within the Church (people) can be used to make
a difference in their community We encourage other Churches to act with compassion,to be non-judgemental,and to love one another as I have loved you. We
encourage visitors to our centres,study our methods,adapt them, then implement
them in their communities.
Presenting author: Linda Knox, P.O. Box 10214, Fonteinriet, 1646, Gauteng,
South Africa, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected].
za
WePeG7000 Role of Nsambya home care as a religious
Institution in the fight against HIV/AIDS
N.T.S. Nakayiwa. Nsambya Hospital Home care, Nsambya Hospital, PO. Box
7146, Kampala, Uganda
Issues: As a religious based institution founded and managed by Franciscan sisters, Nsambya Home Care responded to the AIDS scourge in 1987. There was
overcrowding in the hospital wards hence the opening of a separate department
for AIDS patients. Rooms were eventually put up for counselling to ensure confidentiality. The very weak clients who were not getting better were Home visited in
their Homes by a doctor an nurse and a counselor.
In 1987 a total no of 327 clients were registered. The numbers increased as
years went on different interventions were put in place to respond to challenges
that copped up.
These including creating out outreach clinics, Behaviour Change programs, Paediatric Counselling, Income Generating Activities, Youth forum for the youth, Pastoral care services, Education for life programs, AIDS sensitization programs and
involvement of client volunteers in the program.

To date Home Care has more than 10,000 active clients involving children
Description: This paper will discuss the interventions put up by a religious based
organization in fighting, and caring for AIDS patients without blaming or condemning them. It will also critically discuss the support systems put in place to prevent
HIV/AIDS scourge without emphasizing the use of a condom.
Lessons learnt: Religious institutions are better placed to fight AIDS since
marginalized personalities always look at religious programs for better support.