Psychosocial Support to People Living with HIV in the Caprivi Region of Namibia: Successes, Challenges, and Lessons Learnt

BACKGROUND: The Caprivi region is one of the five sites that have been selected for the Community-Based Treatment Support Program supported by BMS-Secure the Future program (STF). The program, locally known as the Mapilelo project in the Caprivi region, aims to deliver HAART & PMTCT in resource-limited settings while utilizing community-based support programs to deliver home-based care, food security and nutrition, voluntary counseling & Testing (VCT), and community/social mobilization. One of the most successful aspects under the community mobilization component is the psychosocial support to people living with HIV (PLHIV) now called Buddy Program which is the focus of the abstract.

METHODS: This is a descriptive study looking at the challenges posed and lessons learnt in designing and implementing a psychosocial support to people living with HIV in a low resource setting. The process is a very cumbersome and challenging as it involves the following institutions or mobilization for successful implementation:

• PLHIV themselves; fighting stigma and self-acceptance

• Immediate Families; understanding risks and providing support

• Community; getting to terms with the reality of the challenge and offering support to PLHIV as well

• Health workers and administrators joining hands in preparing the community for change

RESULTS: Twenty-three clients made public disclosure on World AIDS day 2006.

CONCLUSIONS: The program has been very successful in that more than 70 clients disclosed to immediate families with the 26 making public disclosure in front of cameras.

Time, funds and courage were the most needed tools for success.