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Authors SP Akena 1 , J. Oburu 2 , D Sera 1 , L Cicci ò 1

Empowering the community to address the needs of HIV positive youths in a post-conflict district Northern Uganda. Authors SP Akena 1 , J. Oburu 2 , D Sera 1 , L Cicci ò 1 Institute (s): 1 JSI/NUMAT, Gulu, Uganda, 2 Health Alert, Gulu, Uganda. Presentation Outline. Background

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Authors SP Akena 1 , J. Oburu 2 , D Sera 1 , L Cicci ò 1

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  1. Empowering the community to address the needs of HIV positive youths in a post-conflict district Northern Uganda Authors SP Akena1, J. Oburu2, D Sera1, L Cicciò1 Institute (s): 1JSI/NUMAT, Gulu, Uganda, 2Health Alert, Gulu, Uganda

  2. Presentation Outline • Background • Intervention • Results • Lessons Learnt • Conclusion

  3. Northern Uganda Malaria AIDS and TB Programme (NUMAT) is a 5 years USAID funded programme implemented in 15 post-conflict districts of Northern Uganda. Goal: To expand access to and utilization of HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria prevention, treatment, care and support activities in north central Uganda. Background

  4. Background Cont • Young people remain at the centre of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in terms of • Rates of infection, • vulnerability, • impact, and • potential for change • In Uganda, new infections among children are estimated at 25,000 annually

  5. Background Cont • Country wide only 8.3% of all patients on HAART are children. • In Northern Uganda, only 10,000 out of 50,000 who require treatment are on HAART • Many parents live in denial about their children’s HIV status- Stigma

  6. Objectives of the Intervention • To address youth specific HIV/AIDS needs, NUMAT partnered with Health Alert to; • Increase community awareness & understanding of comprehensive needs of the youth living with HIV/AIDS • Strengthen communities and families to provide youth friendly environment and psychosocial support services to the youth

  7. Intervention • CORPS • Training CVCs • Community • Dialogue meetings • Schools • Peer support clubs • Mentoring teachers & school matrons

  8. Intervention Cont • Families • Training and mentoring care takers • Engagement of family members for HIV/AIDS service uptake • Networks of PLWHIV • Engagement of NSAs in tracing & follow up of children and families in need of care • PWP

  9. Results • From June 2010 to May 2011: • 436 CVCs trained • 2060 community members sensitized on youth related HIV/AIDS issues. • 1500 youths in and out of schools mobilized for HCT • 125 tested HIV+ and enrolled into care

  10. Results Cont • 95 of the HIV+ started on HAART • Care takers/mothers trained in home based care • Homes of the 125 youths were mapped for follow up.

  11. Lessons learnt • Engagement of CORPS enhances ownership and success of HIV/AIDS program • Supporting community structures increases demand and uptake of HIV/AIDS services • Involvement of child handlers (schools) is critical in reduction of stigma and discrimination among youth

  12. Conclusion • Community involvement in HIV/AIDS programming is critical in ensuring success in treatment and care for the youth.

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