Exploring the Role of Community Based Organizations Specially Idirs in Mitigating the Spread of HIV/AIDS in Adama Town
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Date
2007-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study was conducted to explore the role and contribution of Idirs in combating
HIV/AIDS through Home and Community Based Care (HCBC) programs in Adama town.
Idirs are traditional community based organizations (CBOs) primarily established to
facilitate burial ceremonies and comforting the bereaved. With the advent of HIV/AIDS
pandemic, the role of Idirs has transformed from such single communal functions to
HIV/AIDS prevention and control. Ten Idirs in Adama have been implementing HCBC
program to improve the quality of life of bed-ridden patients and their families. The study
employed qualitative research method. Three Idirs that included in the study were selected
randomly. After the three Idirs identified, the research participants were selected using
purposive sampling technique. The qualitative data gathering instruments included in-depth
interview, focus group discussion and observation. Subjects of the study include program
beneficiaries, voluntary care givers and Idirs HCBC committee members. Key informant
interview also was carried out with government and non-government organizations
representatives. The study involved strict respect for informed consent, voluntary
participation and confidentiality. The findings of the study indicated that Idirs HCBC
program has significantly contributed to improve the life of bed-ridden patients. Despite the
important work of Idirs HBCB program, patients expressed unmet needs. Hence, insufficient
nutrition support, housing problem, and care for AIDS orphans were major challenges of the
program. The study recommended the strengthening of HCBC program referral chain, local
resource capacity, protecting and care of AIDS orphans and intervening in income
generating activity (IGA) and integrating family planning services with HIV/AIDS
prevention
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Social Work