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

660 Abstracts ThPeG8295-ThPeG8299

XIV International AIDS Conference

the 7 years of implementations, the network provided 20 cases of combine ARV
drugs, 229 cases of PCP prophylaxis, 341 cases of TB prophylaxis, health promotion by nutrition supplement, exercise programmes, and using herbs. Mental
supported by meditation and religious practice. Economic supported by income
generating programmes with average monthly income of 80U$, and providing 188
educational fund for AIDS affected children.
Lessons learned: PWAs and DCC network plays vital roles in care and support
for PWAs, integrating AIDS prevention and care, and linkage with communities
for multisectoral cooperation.
Presenting author: Saowanee Seesongsom, Mae Chan Hospital, 274 Moo-5,
Phaholyothin Road, Mae Chan district, Chiang Rai, Thailand, Tel.: [phone]
300, Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]
ThPeG8295 AWARD's care and support for PLWHA project
M.N. Noor, N.S.K. Kamdar. AWARD(A// Women Advancement & Resource
Development, 42-c (/) sahibzada abdul qayyum road, university town peshawar,
NWFP, Pakistan
Issue: Project implementation on GIPA principle with active participation of
PLWHA.
Description: AWARD has initiated for the first time in North West Friontier
Province/Pakistan a project working on GIPA Principle. The project is an outcome of the stocktaking by UNDP in Pakistan, which leads to the realization that
no organization was working on the GIPA principle. The project activities included
evolving Network and networking at National and South East Asia Regional level
is carried. The project aims at reducing stigmatization of PLWHA at personal and
family levels, facilitate home based support/care and teach prevention at family
level, establish refferral system for providing quality care and support through existing formal health system and identification of needs of PLWHA for designing
future strategies.
Lesson learned: At the time of project inception it was felt it would be difficult
in Pakistan (low prevalence and high risk Country) to form a Network of PLWHA
due to taboo, stigmatization etc., but to everyone's surprise, AWARD formed a
Network of PLWHA (17 PLWHA) in 3 months period, which provided a learning
that we had our own misconceptions and mental blocks.
Recommendation: The success of any project depends on well carried process
with all the stakeholders. If proper time is not allocated to run the process then
instead of positive impact it can backfire. Therefore such project should be long
term for ensuring success and drawing realistic conclusions.
Presenting author: Maimoona Noor, 42-c (11) sahibzada abdul qayyum road,
university town peshawar, NWFP, Pakistan, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: award@ psh.paknet.com.pk
ThPeG8296 AWARD's network of PLWHA
N.S.K. Kamdar, M.N. Noor. AWARD(A/ Women Advancement & Resource
Development, 42-c (11) Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Road, University Town
Peshawar, NWFP, Pakistan
Issue: To form a network of PLWHA, work on GIPA principle and provide a
platform for capacity building of PLWHA for effective response to the issue of
HIV/AIDS and human rights.
Description: Under "AWARD care & support for PLWHA project" that is working
in North West Frontier Province/Pakistan on GIPA principles, a Network of positive people is formed for the first time. The purpose of the network is to provide
a platform where the issue of HIV/AIDS is addressed and capacity building of
PLWHA carried, for effective response to HIV/AIDS issue and needs of PLWHA.
The Network strives to improve the quality of life for PLWHA through the provision
of quality care and support (including meeting their medical, social and material
needs) and ensuring secure environment for all people infected and effected by
HIV/AIDS.
To create opportunities for the provision of enhanced social support to PLWHA,
including the reduction of stigma and discrimination against them.
Lesson learned: The PLWHA are willing to form a network, if given an opportunity. Some of them have the knowledge of HIV/AIDS issue but they need communication skills, support for raising their voices to reduce stigmatization at various
levels.
Some times positive people have their own fear by which self-stigma and isolation
occurs.
Recommendation: To link different networks of PLWHA, at various Local, National, Regional and Global levels and form a pressure group for expanded response to HIV/AIDS issue. Through the networks of positive people we can try to
influence the Local, Regional and Global policies of the different Governments,
provide support for PLWHA, support groups and facilitate their involvement in
HIV/AIDS policy discussion and decision making.
Presenting author: Nighat Kamdar, 42-c (II) Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Road,

University Town Peshawar, NWFP, Pakistan, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: award @ psh.paknet.com.pk

ThPeG8297 Accountability of HIV/AIDS funds: The need for
people living with HIV/AIDS participation in the
process of safeguarding resources destined for
their treatments and medications
J.FC. Colon. PSPS, Ronda ci, Villa Andalucia, Rio Piedras
Description: As of March 10, 1999 "Pacientes de SIDA pro Politica Sana"(AIDS
Patients for Sane Policies) has been involved in the process of serving as watchdogs of funds destined for the treatments and medications of HIV/AIDS patients
in Puerto Rico. This as the outcome of the embezzlement of $2.2 million dollars in
the case of the San Juan AIDS Institute, where funds destined for the treatments
of patients were used fraudulently for the benefit of administrators of the Institute,
for personal use, and political campaigns in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Eleven persons were criminally accused of these acts. The case generated convictions of
doctors, administrators and the resignation of political leaders.
Lessons learned: Our work has taken us to be part of the re-authorization of the
Ryan White
Care Act in Congress testifying for the need of major accountability measures,
random audits and the need of 33% patient participation in Planning Councils.
We advocated for Law # 349, The HIV/AIDS Patients' Bill of Rights in PR. We
took our testimony of the incidences involving our participation as PLWA's to New
York during the celebration on United Nations General Assembly's Special Session' parallel activities organized by the Latino Commission on AIDS of New York.
Our experience shows how our determination in fighting for PLWA's rights is decisive in the impact on public opinion and deliniation of public policies.
Recommendations: Consumer participation in the safeguarding of funds earmarked for services have exposed us, PLWA as active community members that
contribute to the well being of society, being able to accrue respect and friendly
relations with the media and the community We have attract ed other PLWA's
to participate in this role, such as Regional and National Conferences, including
Planning Councils and Committees, establishing an on going network between
local Government Agencies, Community Based Organizations and society
Presenting author: Jose F Colon, Ronda cl, Villa Andalucia, Rio Piedras, Puerto
Rico, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]
ThPeG8298 Eliminating stigma and restoring respect: Hong
Kong experience
O.C. Lin. Hong Kong AIDS Foundation, 5/F Shaukeiwan Jockey Club Clinic, 8
Chai Wan Road, Shaukeiwan, Hong Kong
Issues: Much has been done to address stigma attached to people infected with
HIV/AIDS but there was little success. Many AIDS activists advocate the use of
disclosure to combat stigmatization. However, the psychological well-being of PLHAs, the culture and the social norms often require us to explore other means.
Description: Last year, the Hong Kong AIDS Foundation, with the participation of
some PLHAs, artists and volunteers, staged a performance entitled "A Beautiful
Life" which told audience true stories of PLHAs through dancing, mime, singing
etc. Full involvement and participation of PLHAs was ensured from initiation of
ideas, development of the script, rehearsal and final presentation. Difficulties including PLHAs' lack of confidence, worries over disclosure of identity etc. were
encountered in the process. With the support of our professional workers, the PLHAs were able to get through and made a very touching and successful performance which had not only ignited great affection among the audience but helped
the PLHAs re-build their confidence.
Lessons learned: Self-disclosure to fight stigma may not work when societal,
cultural or individual pressure does not allow the PLHAs to do so. Our experience clearly indicates that a suitable way to fight stigma is one which PLHAs can
comfortably come to terms with and that empowerment has to be acquired by an
individual. The experience of participating in the performance has proved to those
involved that they were able to find the lost self-respect and regain self-esteem.
Recommendations: The well-being of PLHAs has to be taken care of and accorded priority before encouraging them to come out and fight stigma. Our experience of involving PLHAs in the fight against stigmatization has pointed to the
importance of making a very good balance among social and cultural norms, the
significance of self disclosure and PLHAs' psychological needs.
Presenting author: Oi Chu Lin, 5/F, Shaukeiwan Jockey Club Clinic, 8 Chai Wan
Road, Shaukeiwan, Hong Kong, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [email protected]
ThPeG8299 HIV positive heath care professionals in Uganda:
an examination of contributions made to HIV/AIDS
care and the needs of positive workers for support
C.M. O'Keeffe1, J. Frankham2. 1Mildmay International, Mildmay International, 1
Nelson Mews, Southend on Sea, SS 1 AL, United Kingdom; 2Manchester
University, Manchester, United Kingdom

Issues: HIV positive health care professionals (HCPs) have the potential to provide high quality care services for people living with HIV/AIDS often doing so with
additional insight and empathy. However experience in Uganda has shown that
their health and well being has often been over looked. Strategies for supporting
need to be examined.
Description: A longitudinal qualitative study is being undertaken at The Mildmay
Centre in Uganda exploring curriculum development for managing grief, loss and