Browsing by Author "Dessiye, Mesfin"

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    Care and Support Services for People Living with Hiv/Aids (PLWHA) and Aids Orphans in Religious Institutions: The Case of Dessie Town
    (AAU, 2006-11) Dessiye, Mesfin; Tadele, Getnet (Dr
    The central theme of this study is to investigate the existing care and support services for PLWHA and AIDS orphans in religious institutions, namely the EOC South Wollo diocese office and the EECMY North central synod. The prime objective is to help address the needs of HIV positive people and AIDS orphaned children through appropriate care and support services integrating religious approaches into the services provided. In carrying out the study, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, case studies and observation (qualitative methods) and surveying (a quantitative strategy) were employed. Besides, secondary sources were used to supplement the primary data. The study involved PL WHA, AIDS orphans, home caregivers and different personalities working in service provider institutions. Findings of the study demonstrate that care and support services to PLWHA and AIDS orphans by the EOC South Wollo diocese office and to AIDS orphans by the EECMY North central synod are not comprehensive. This is because the social, medical and legal supports are inadequate and not inclusive of affected family members except that psychological supports are relatively improved. The study also shows that the social and medical services constitute the most pressing needs of PLWHA and AIDS orphans with increasing demands for self support in income generating activities. Care and support services are interrelated with HIV/ AIDS prevention and control. This is because PL WHA who could receive the appropriate care and support services tend to inspire people who wish to take VCT and disclose their serostatus and avoid suffering from lack of attention. In the sense of fighting mY/AIDS, such support provisions would enable PL WHA to feel sympathetic about others and avoid unsafe sex as a result of hope in better future In addition, those who tested my negative could draw lessons to practice safe sex. The study also attempted to reveal that integrating religious approaches in care and support services would help PL WHA avoid stigma and discrimination associated with the pandemi c and develop self-worth. Moreover, such activities promote the very concept of positive living with the virus and enhance the delivery of effective care and support services. It is believed that care and support services could be improved when the human resource capacity is strc'lgthened, programs are designed based on the needs of care receivers, effective networking is established among stakeholders and income generating activities are promoted for sustainable self-support. Also, enhancing efficient utilization of resources and ensuring a combination of social, medical and psychosocial supports would bring about the desired outcomes in changing the life ofPLWHA, AIDS orphans and home caregivers.