Report Released At Conference Calls For More Resources For Home-Based Care Activities In Zimbabwe

Main Category: Caregivers / Homecare
Also Included In: HIV / AIDS
Article Date: 11 Aug 2008 - 6:00 PST

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A report released on Wednesday at the XVII International AIDS Conference in Mexico City called for more attention to and funding for the role of those participating in home-based care for people with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe's Herald/AllAfrica.com reports.

The report was compiled by the Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination Service, Health and Development Networks and Irish Aid.

In a forward to the report, Zimbabwean Health and Child Welfare Minister David Parirenyatwa said home-based care activities "remain pivotal" for people living with HIV/AIDS, especially in areas with limited access to antiretroviral drugs.

He added, "HBC activities need to be adequately equipped so that timely and high-quality care is delivered to those in need. That is why it is important for the government, the private sector and funding agencies to partner with civil society and to provide significant funding to these projects."

The report calls for programs that integrate health, economic and social services, including water and sanitation facilities. The report added that many volunteers lack basic essentials, such as simple medications, soap and gloves. "As a result, the role of this vital national resource is now largely limited to providing psychological support," the study said.

Peter Power, Ireland's minister of state for overseas development, said that documentation of home-based care in Zimbabwe is a "significant step" toward improving the programs. "Reducing the impact of HIV and AIDS on communities in developing countries is a priority for Irish Aid, and documenting lessons learned is an essential component to shaping effective responses," Power added (Herald/All Africa.com, 8/7).

Kaisernetwork.org is the official webcaster of the XVII International AIDS Conference in Mexico City. Click here to sign up for your Daily Update e-mail during the conference.

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