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Aids activists package training programme
The Herald (Zimbabwe)
September 28, 2006

http://allafrica.com/stories/200609280195.html

HIV and Aids activists have packaged a training programme for community volunteers, in yet another bold step towards strengthening prevention, treatment and care efforts.

World Health Organisation (WHO), Southern Africa HIV and Aids Information Dissemination Service (SafAids) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies came up with the community based generic training package following glaring challenges in community based care and support services in the country.

"We are going to launch the package for community based volunteers in Harare next week. This is one of the many ways developed as a control measure that would integrate treatment into prevention, care and support," SafAids Executive Director, Mrs Lois Chingandu said yesterday.

The training kit, which is expected to be translated into Shona, siNdebele, Spanish, Portuguese and French is viewed by HIV and Aids experts as an essential tool towards enhancing basic health care provided.

"It will not only focus on the facts about the disease but highlights various methodologies of treatment and symptom management and end of life care," Mrs Chingandu said.

The WHO endorsed document will also see a comprehensive explanation on the importance of nutrition and the compulsory community-based counselling in people living positively.

It is estimated that 1,8 million people are living with HIV in Zimbabwe and that up to 400 000 need appropriate health services that are not only properly prepared but is monitored and supported by experts in the area of HIV and Aids care provision.

NAC last week said ARV treatment without other support mechanisms is inadequate to address the HIV situation in the country.

Zimbabwe is one of the many countries in the developing world that are still in the process of finding new mechanisms to alleviate the impact of the disease on sectors such as agriculture and mining.

Training is therefore, important to ensure those affected receive quality health care that would enable them to continue working and live longer.

"We are aware of the need to provide training content that would suit the situation here. We are offering the lowest level of education within the training audience and this is meant for trainers, who have already acquired knowledge of training methodologies and have a health background," she said.

HIV and Aids specialists yesterday said Zimbabwe was in need of a vibrant training programme for people living positively, mainly from rural settings. 

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