Partnership boosts Amangwe HIV/Aids initiatives
Amangwe Village recently entered into a partnership with I ACT to strengthen its service delivery to people infected and affected by HIV/Aids. I ACT supports people newly diagnosed as HIV positive. Its various components – training, support groups, referral systems, healthy lifestyle programmes and advocacy – create a continuum of care that supports, informs and …
Amangwe Village recently entered into a partnership with I ACT to strengthen its service delivery to people infected and affected by HIV/Aids.
I ACT supports people newly diagnosed as HIV positive. Its various components – training, support groups, referral systems, healthy lifestyle programmes and advocacy – create a continuum of care that supports, informs and empowers people living with HIV and Aids to manage their health.
Amangwe’s Home-based Care Coordinator Amose Mthsali completed a Train a Trainer course with I ACT in September.
I ACT also strives to reduce the high patient follow-up dropout rates from the time of HIV diagnosis until successful commencement of anti-retroviral treatment.
Although I ACT primarily focuses newly diagnosed people, the programme is also designed to include people living with HIV in general and others who are affected by the disease and who can benefit from guidance and support.
The partnership with I ACT was cemented when 20 home-based carers and Child Care Committee members were trained on ‘Integrated Access to Care and Treatment’ between 14 and 25 October by trainers Mtshali and Ben Ntsikanye. The training included topics such as treatment and literacy, acceptance of status and disclosure, prevention, nutrition and positive living.
The trainees will now act as facilitators at clinics to support patients and their families, and run groups in schools, the community, churches and companies.
The volunteers will also work closely with peer educators from Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).
