Models of community-based HIV/AIDS care and support : chapter 16

Over the past few years, the previously largely silent epidemic of HIV in South Africa has shifted to a visible epidemic of AIDS. The impact of this on health services, families and communities are emerging at a rapid pace. In an attempt to deal with this impact, it is common practice for health care facilities to ration services to people with HIV, with much of the burden of caring for the ill falling onto households and communities. In South Africa, ""home-based care"" has become a national policy priority. This chapter presents the findings of a review of various NGO, community and religious-based projects which are involved in helping people infected and affected by AIDS. The chapter looks at programmes which provide funding, technical assistance and support to communities, those which are involved in advocacy and community mobilisation, drop-in centres and support groups, home visiting and comprehensive home-based care as well as the care of orphans. The challenges to these programmes are listed and discussed, as are the factors which promote their success.