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 Cicciò 1 Institute (s): 1 JSI/NUMAT, Gulu, Uganda, 2 Health Alert, Gulu, Uganda

Presentation Outline Background Intervention Results Lessons Learnt Conclusion

Background 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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