Gender, HIV/AIDS Facilitation Focus

Background

In March 2007, Catholic Relief Services – Kenya and the Diocese of Ngong partnered to implement APHIA II Rift Valley Home Based Care program. The program is in its third year of implementation, (Oct 2008 –Sep. 09).  The program provides palliative care and support to people living with AIDS and their family member using family centered approach.

Achievements

• 12, 169 clients on palliative care of which 5030 are PLWA’s.
• 1239 OVC’s registered, 672 receiving care and support: education, shelter, clothing, legal support, food, health care.
• 311 CHW’s trained on HBC
• 84 CHW’s trained on OVC care and support.
• 112 Paralegals trained.
• 60 lay treatment workers trained.
• 5 health facility referral link desks established: Ngong, Kitengela, Loitokitok, Narok and Nairagie – Enkare.
• 521 households benefited from SILC through 35 associations.
• 12 SILC field agents volunteers in place to serve the groups.
• 74 PLWA support groups formed. 42 in year 3.
• 6 family days held since inception of the program.
• 7 offices established within the areas of operation.

Staffing

The HBC supervisors are coordinated by Diocesan HIV/AIDS and Gender Programs Coordinator (coordinating APHIA II HBC/OVC) based at the secretariat who reports to the Diocesan Development Coordinator (DDC). At the secretariat, at team comprising of an Agricultural support officer, an accountant, monitoring & Evaluation officer, a data clerk and HIV/AIDS and Gender Coordinator form the key HBC implementing staff. They are supported by a Programs Officer who oversees implementation of all Social development Programs in the Diocese under the DDC.

Implementation strategy

HBC project is implemented using the community strategy as stipulated in the Kenya National Health Sector Strategic Plan II (NHSSP). A family centered approach where a PLWA and their family members are  receive Palliative and Home Based care through trained Community Health workers (CHW’s). Lay treatment workers are trained to support fellow PLWA’s in psychsocial support, adherence to treatment, memory book writing and beneficial disclosure. Paralegals are trained to help in human rights issues to our clients. Field agents trained in SILC (Savings & Internal Lending Communities), microfinance methodology to enhance income generation and livelihoods within PLWA families. Integration of agricultural support for food security and socio-economic empowerment to target groups.

Strategic partners of APHIA II RV (Aids Population Health Integrated Assistance II)

• Family Health International (FHI): Overall leadership and management,  technical assistance, HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment, Reproductive  health/ family planning, stigma/safety nets, prevention among high risk groups monitoring and evaluation.
• JHPIEGO: Technical assistance in integrated training, Quality assurance/ quality improvements, facility and community networking.
• National Organization of Peer Educators (NOPE): Technical assistance in prevention among youth and work place programs.
• Catholic Relief Services: Technical assistance in home based palliative care.
• Social impact: Technical assistance in capacity development of NGO’s, CBO’s and FBO’s.
• World Vision: Technical assistance in OVC care.