EUROPEAN UNION

CONTENTS

Stigma and Faith Based Organisations

Stigma and the Family

Stigma and the Health Care Setting

Stigma in the Workplace

Stigma and Communication

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FOREWORD

Stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS both obstruct efforts to prevent and mitigate the global epidermic and create a fertile turf for the epidermic to fester. As the epidermic reaches deeper and further into communities, so does the fear that surrounds it. In many countries and communities, HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination have constituted the greatest barrier to preventing further HIV infections, providing adequate care, support and treatment. Stigma and discrimination, have limited the uptake of HIV and AIDS Voluntary, Counselling and Testing (VCT). It undermines the prevention efforts by making people afraid of knowing their status and it creates negative psychological consequences for People Living with HIV/AIDS. Stigma and discrimination prevent people from seeking early treatment for Tuberculosis, Opportunistic Infections, accessing counselling and testing services, receiving good quality care and adhering to treatments where they are available including treatment to prevent mother-to-child-transimition.

It has become evident that the reduction and ultimate elimination of stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS is the cornerstone for combating the further and rapid spread of the epidermic. Stigma reduction and elimination will encourage more people to know their HIV status thereby increasing the uptake of VCT and consequently increase the number of people seeking treatment for AIDS.

While the few best practices on HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination reduction described in this booklet do not offer the last word on fighting stigma and discrimination, they provide valuable resources on various approaches to fight HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination for use by community organizations dealing with HIV. Best practices collected and captured in this abstract booklet were distributed at the 7th SANASO Conference / 6th Congress, whose theme was “Stigma and Discrimination: Scaling up HIV/AIDS responses through networking, advocacy and community mobilisation” held in Lusaka, Zambia, on 5-8 August 2003, as part of a concerted effort to reduce and ultimately eradicate HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination.

We hope and trust that all those involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination will find this publication useful, informative and beneficial.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Southern Africa AIDS Service Organizations (SANASO) acknowledges, with thanks all the people who contributed to the collection of these best practices on HIV/AIDS stigma reduction. This could not have been undertaken without the support and commitment of many. It is through the collection and sharing of these best practices on stigma reduction that we can begin to understand, reduce and ultimately eradicate stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS. Profound gratitude is further extended to the following donors for supporting this initiative.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Southern Africa Development Cooperation / European Union (SADC/EU)
The Commonwealth Foundation
Development Commission Ireland (DCI)
HIVOS
Ministry of Health, Zambia
Norwegian Agency for Development (NORAD)
Zambia National AIDS Council
Zambia Integrated Health Programme (ZIHP)
Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA)

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Ministry of Health , Zambia
UNAIDS
UNDP
Zambia National AIDS Council(NAC)

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STIGMA AND FAITH BASED ORGANISATIONS

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

ABSTRACT FORM

7th SANASO Conference/6th Congress, August 2003, Lusaka Zambia
Theme: Stigma and Discrimination: Scaling up responses through Networking, Advocacy and Community mobilisation

Title Stigma and Faith Based Organisations.

1. Overall Goal

To have a reduced HIV/AIDS prevalence society that has also succeeded in restoration of positive moral values.

2. Objectives

To improve the quality of counselling services.
To improve quality of care and support provided to OVC and the chronically ill.
To intensify BCI with special interest to youth.

3. Specific objective

“To reduce Stigma and Discrimination among People Living with HIV/AIDS”.

4. Strategies

Encourage open debate among church members on issues of HIV/AIDS.
Train church leaders on HIV/AIDS.
Adopt a holistic approach in counselling which looks at the physical, spiritual, and psychological state of a person.
Develop and distribute spiritual IEC materials that do not only inform about HIV/AIDS but also bring hope to the hopeless soul.
Develop policies that are friendly to People Living with HIV/AIDS.
Establishment of “ Hope Ministry” under the Church whose sole purpose is to encourage and strengthen the sick in hospitals.

5. Achievements

Word Alive church has facilitated the establishment of a group of PLWHA that meets at the church premises once a month to share experiences. The Program/Church supports the group through spiritual counselling and provision of refreshments and transport to and from their respective homes. Currently there are about 50 active PLWHA belonging to the group. The meetings have also enabled the PLWHAs to identify themselves with specific churches where they are actively involved in HIV/AIDS issues.
The Church has developed and adopted a policy which allows the Program to have at least 2 employees at a particular time who are known PLWHAs.
Conducted workshops for Pastors and Church Leaders on HIV/AIDS.
Introduction of an annual HIV/AIDS event where Program beneficiaries and the Church come together to share experiences and express appreciation to the members for their support.

6. Lessons Learnt

Counselling in a holistic approach is more effective and brings hope even in a hopeless situation.
Spiritual counselling forms an important component of the whole counselling factor in dealing with issues of stigma and discrimination. Christ loves us in our present status.
Stigma and discrimination also largely depends on the perception of the person living with HIV/AIDS. Advocates often are successful in dealing with the issue.
Use of PLWHA counsellors has proved successful in enhancing openness about ones status.

7. Recommendations

Train/encourage more pastoral outreach activities with a view to give hope and support to the chronically ill.
Train Program counsellors in spiritual counselling to bring a holistic approach to counselling.
Advocate for open spiritual counselling to those donors that are not comfortable with this component.

Subject group : Stigma and Faith-based Organisation

Authors: Phoebe Nyasulu (Mrs)

Organisation: Word Alive Ministries International

Address: P O Box 2502, Blantyre, Malawi
Tel: 265-1-674451 , Fax: 265-1-674372
e-mail: icoca@wordalive.mw

Presenter: Phoebe Nyasulu (Mrs)

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title Heads of Christian Denominations in Zimbabwe

Introduction
As the HIV/AIDS crisis deepens and HIV/AIDS related morbidity and mortality rise, levels of stigma too are proportionally increasingly, crippling progress made in palliative care, Home Based Care and CBC initiatives and worsening suspicious and myths surrounding the disease.

The current crisis in medicine and shortage of drugs, have led people into losing confidence in institutional medical care and this has led people to seek refugee elsewhere. The Church offers the largest refuge camp as the only source of comfort moral re-asument, spiritual healing and unconditional love/acceptance. The Church is the only institution, which absolves STDs as sins without value judgment.

Body
It is against this background, and given the large captive audience at it command, that the church in Zimbabwe is playing a very important role.

HIV/AIDS stigma is born out of ignorance of the disease. In this context the Church through seminars, workshops, conferences, round-tables and community theatre giving lessons in HIV/AIDS Science.
HIV/AIDS related stigma is due to retrogressive cultural beliefs. In this context the Church in Zimbabwe is fighting Stigma through seminars, workshops, conferences, round-table discussion, drama, song and poetry in view to mobilizing communities against irrational and negative cultural beliefs and practices.
HIV/AIDS related Stigma is due to the shortage or lack of facilities to enable individuals to know their HIV/AIDS status. In this context, the Church is enabling the establishment of VCT centres throughout the country. Through these centres and sero-negative persons are urged to remain sero-negative and sero-positive persons are taught to live positively.
In a modest way, the Church in Zimbabwe is also participating in the dispensation of ARV, a contribution which renders itself useful in reducing HIV/AIDS Stigma.

Conclusion
Faith based organizations have a responsibility to fight Stigma and to provide care, comfort and spiritual support to HIV/AIDS infected and affected communities. Because the religious sector has much a far-reaching influence throughout Zimbabwe, religious leaders must play an active role to fight Stigma in diverse setting.

Subject group: Stigma and Faith Based Organisations

Authors: Dr. James Jijide , Heads of Christian Denominations , HIV/AIDS National Director

Organization: Heads of Christian Denominations (HOCD)

Address: Heads of Christian Denominations (HOCD) HIV/AIDS National Office, 17425, Flanagan Road, New Hillside, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Tel: 263-4-747719/778718, Fax: 263-4-778718, E-mail: hocdhiv@zarnet.ac.zw

Presenter: Dr. James Jijide

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title Negative religious perceptions of PLWHAs.

Objectives:

To find out how people in leadership of FBOs' view HIV/AIDS and PLWHA.
To find out the source of such behaviours and attitudes of FBOs towards PLWHA
To discover the causes of stigma and discrimination in FBOs, if there is any?
To find out how the general membership of FBOs view PLWHA and HIV/AIDS itself.
To hear what people in FBOs think of VCT and positive living.

Methods:
The study was done between December 2002 and June 2003.

Data collection involved:
Focus Group discussion and report back through plenary presentations.
Discourse Analysis.
Interviewing leaders from local Churches in Mtendere.
Media review; Views from both electronic and print media, on what people think of HIV/AIDS and PLWHA.
Administration of structured Questionnaires
The discussions focused on respondents' attitudes towards PLWHA.

Results:

Most people from FBOs are convinced that HIV/AIDS is a punishment from God.
Some people from different Churches believe that HIV/AIDS infects non-believers and promiscuous people.
Others believe that even if a person is infected, they just need to pray over it and then they will be cured.
Respondents believe that sometimes witches and demons can inflict HIV/AIDS on a person just to test his/her faith.

HIV/AIDS is only a symptom of our moral decay. It is a prophecy come true and is a synonymous with death. In the bible, it says the wages of sin is death and that they will be epidemics in the last days. When you repent HIV/AIDS can be cured.

People with HIV/AIDS deserve their condition, it is the fruit of their promiscuity.

People about to get married should not go for VCT, because it would show lack of love and trust, and if they find that one is positive they will have to be separated which would not be good for the infected partner.

40% of people spoken to believe you cannot get AIDS if you are circumcised, while 50% believe circumcision is a sin.

Conclusions:

Stigma founded on Religious basis is still very rampant.

Subject group: Stigma and Faith-Based Organization

Authors: Themba Nthani

Organisation: Youth Alive Zambia

Address: Plot 6085, Chituli Road, Northmead, P/B RW 646X Lusaka,
Tel/Fax: 293559 e-mail: yaz@zamnet.zm

Presenter: Themba Nthani

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title

Stigma is defined as negative social label that disgraces, shames someone not because his/her behaviour is abnormal but due to the fact that the person has certain attributes that lead others to perceive him/her as different from them. Sometimes stigma may be self induced or imagined by the person living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) or the family of such a person. Discrimination is unfair treatment of a person in comparison to others because of colour, creed, religion as well as abnormality or a condition that a person has or some peculiarities in comparison to others such as illness. This can be done in any setting e.g. home, employment e.t.c. Botswana is one of the most affected countries in Sub Saharan Africa with a population of close to 1.8 million. There are 300 000 people estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS. Out of these only 13 have gone public about their status. The reason for this low number is due to Stigma and Stigmatisation of those infected and their family members.

In an effort to have an in-depth understanding of Stigma in Botswana, the AIDS/STD Unit conducted a pilot study in 2001. The study focused on people's understanding of the concept of stigma, their perception and also manifestation of Stigma. The study results influenced decisions to undertake a larger study to have a broader perspective on stigma and how it impacts on HIV/AIDS. The findings of the broader study indicates that stigma manifests itself in different forms ranging from denial, shame, fear, blame, rejection and discrimination not only in the family but also in places such as health facilities, schools and places where community social events are taking place. It is clear from the study that while people can live with HIV/AIDS as a condition, they cannot cope with the effects of Stigma and Stigmatisation. The impact of Stigma is more Psychological and has devastating effects. Evidence from the study reveals that Stigma can be reduced through strategic interventions such as disclosure of HIV/AIDS status, as well as making the continuum of care user friendly for the families.

There are about 32 support groups in Botswana with an average member ship of 25 30 made up of PLWHAs. Most of them do not want to go public because of fear of Stigma and Discrimination. Some have not told family members and significant others about their status for fear of not knowing how they would react to the situation. PLWHAs are only comfortable amongst themselves. Another observation made is on the question of strict secrecy and confidentiality in cases of health services provision for PLWHAs. There is usually double assurance in Pre and Post testing that what ever the outcome of the test, results will not be disclosed to anyone else. It will be a secret between the nurse/doctor/ counsellor and the client.

This Scenario of secrecy and confidentiality about HIV status is the one that encourages the spread of HIV/AIDS in Botswana. The fear of stigmatisation and discrimination discourages many individuals from taking an HIV test. Some HIV/AIDS patients loose out on Government programmes such as food rations for HIV/AIDS patients, Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT), Direct Observed Therapy (DOT), voluntary counselling and testing (VCT). In Community Home Based Care (CHBC) the use of gloves and labelled vehicles is resented as neighbours conclude that the patients visited by CHBC team are those suffering HIV/AIDS. Patient and relatives fear to participate in these programmes due to fear of Stigma and Discrimination.

The Community Relieves Day Care Centre

Community Relief Day Care Centre (CRDCC) provides care and support services such as Counselling which assist people in accepting their status and appreciate shared confidentiality.

Botswana Retired Nurses Society ( BORNUS), as a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) has a notion that there is need to assist Government in the area of HIV/AIDS. As a result, a needs assessment was carried out in Tlokweng village. The assessment report indicated Stigma as the greatest barrier to preventing further infection and alleviating the impact of HIV/AIDS.

BORNUS planned activities in line with the findings include the following: -

Community mobilization through various workshops to sensitise community leaders. The youth and community in general with PLWAs given special consideration for involvement in the whole process in order for them to be accepted.
In the sensitisation workshops, and in other activities, PLWAs work together in a non discriminatory environment with the community discussing issues together to help acceptance of each other and thus reduce stigma & discrimination
Counselling of PLHWAs and their families
The centre accepts terminally & chronically ill patients including PLWAs their care givers & volunteers for day care and to share experiences and learn from each other about caring and coping with the situation at home.
Occupational therapy for PLWAs, caregivers and volunteers will form part of the centre activities. This will assist people to interact and accept each other to reduce Stigma and Discrimination.
The centre works hand in hand with other NGOs and health facilities in the village that participate in health programmes especially in the area of HIV/AIDS.
Continuous Information, Education and Communication (I.E.C) are regarded as the corner stone to the success of the project.

This project is new and has not been evaluated. However there are signs that individuals are willing to open up and discuss their problems. It is hoped that this will lead to the reduction of Stigma and Discrimination and that there will come a time when HIV/AIDS will be regarded as any other illness.

Success Story

The support of the project by the village headman, his deputy and all the 12 sub-chiefs (ward sub-chiefs) is tremendous.

This level of leadership considers itself as members of the project to an extent that they often act as advocates for the projects, for example, they have formed a united front to advocate for a large piece of land for the project; and each one of them has vowed to talk about the services offered by the project and the support it requires from the community if it is to benefit everybody in the village both directly and indirectly.

Subject group: Stigma and Faith-based Organizations

Authors Nurses Association of Botswana

Address: BONASO Secretariat, Tel: 267-3908490/3170582, Fax: 267-3908490
e-mail: bonaso@botsnet.bw

Presenter: Norah Mothlabane

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Reduction of Stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS using biblical principles.

Objectives

To provide spiritual, medical care and appropriate support to those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
To provide advocacy to those who cannot speak for themselves for the rights of all who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
To encourage greater involvement of people living with AIDS in community activities
To collaborate/network with individuals, groups, companies or government whose actions or policies affect those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Methods:

Psychosocial and spiritual counselling: Using examples from the Bible on how Jesus interacted with people who had similar diseases such as leprosy.
Advocacy: Speaking up on behalf of those with HIV who are being stigmatised or discriminated against.
Capacity building: encouraging people to take action on reducing stigma and discrimination by empowering them with adequate information and appropriate skills.
Campaigning: Telling other about the situation in a way that encourages them to take action e.g. through preaching the word of God.
Prayer: Praying for God to change the hearts and attitude of people towards those infected and setting time at regular intervals to look back and consider how effective our actions have been.

Results

50 Home-based Care Providers have been trained.
250 Homes have been visited over a period of one year.
50 HIV+ Clients have been visited and counselled.
No cases of separation or divorce associated with HIV/AIDS have been reported

Conclusion:

The problem of stigma and discrimination against HIV/AIDS continues to be source of worry in our community. Unless people are fully aware of the mode of transmission and prevention and begin to talk about it freely and take bold steps to know their HIV status all efforts aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination will prove difficult.

Subject group: Stigma and Faith-based Organization

Authors Mr. Muyamwa Mainga

Organization: Christian Health Care

Address: P. O. Box 50474, RW, Lusaka

Presenter: Muyamwa Mainga

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Promoting involvement of Faith Based Organizations in HIV/AIDS awareness, to reduce stigma.

Introduction

Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) exist in all parts of Zambia as community based organizations. They have been associated with and some times blamed for the high levels of HIV/AIDS related stigma within communities. However Their strategic positioning and large following also makes them one of the partners in bringing down the same stigma

Established in 1997, Zambia Interfaith Networking Group On HIV/AIDS (ZINGO) is a multi-faith, NGO, bringing together Christian, Moslem, Hindu, and Bahai, to work together against the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Zambia.

ZINGO recognizes stigma in the communities as a key concern and is committed to increase involvement of FBOs in combating the pandemic, chiefly through Behaviour Change Communication including stigma reduction. In December 2002 ZINGO commissioned a study on FBO responses and HIV/AIDS in three Zambian cities to establish the levels of involvement of FBOs in HIV/AIDS awareness raising, care and support of PLWHA and affected families in communities.

Methods

ZINGO conducted a baseline survey, December 2002, covering 320 FBO using in-depth interviews with leaders of FBOs
Documentation of best practice, convening of open forums (OF) and focus group discussions (FGD s) to follow up and elaborate on findings of the survey including on issues of stigma in communities served by the FBOs.

Results

FBO are aware of levels of HIV/AIDS stigma in their communities
FBO are involved in activities that reduce stigma for example Home based care and support and community based orphan care
FBOs established own practices that fuel HIV/AIDS stigma, for example use of negative language from religious platforms.
The survey conducted in December 2002 triggered inquiries, commitments and involvement of more FBOs in HIV/AIDS awareness and practices that reduce stigma
A dynamic database of FBOs responses in Livingstone, Lusaka, and Kitwe has been established and is available from ZINGO.

Conclusions:

The FBO sector should be recognized as a partner to the national aim of addressing the HIV/AIDS stigma in communities. ZINGO is working with FBOs to increase their capacity: to care, to promote awareness, and to respond in other practical ways to HIV/AIDS within communities served by the FBOs, leading to reduction of stigma. Capacity building for FBOs is essential to involvement of FBOs at community level and will lead to increased capacity to respond in culturally appropriate ways to HIV/AIDS and to all other knock-on effects of the pandemic.

Subject Group: Faith Based Organisations

Organizations Salvation Army, regional team for Africa (SAART) ; Zambia Interfaith Networking Group on HIV/AIDS (ZINGO

Authors: Macdonald CHAAVA, Jeff Yussuf, Sivers Hamukoma

Address P.O. Box 350093, Chilanga , Tel: 097750451

Presenter: Chaava Macdonald

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Experience of Sebei Diocese ( Uganda) Involvement of communities affected/infected by HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care programmes as Faith-based strategy to fight stigma and discrimination

Issue:

The Church and community of PLWHA disassociated themselves in caring for PLWHA because of stigma.

Description:

A decade ago, the responsibility of PLWHA was left to AIDS service organizations. The church i.e. leaders, mothers unions, youth discriminated PLWHA due to stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Age discrimination, strict church roles on cohabiting, refusing to bury the dead, baptize the orphans and sin branding of clients due to lack of salvation. This was either due to lack of knowledge about the disease and what is involved in caring for the sick church members in community. All caring work was left to AIDS Service organizations.

Three years ago, Sebei Diocese started building the capacity of community in the prevention of HIV and care for PLWHAs Father Unions, Mother Union, Youth were mobilized, sensitised, and trained in their role in prevention and care right from the Parish Church, Archdeaconry to the entire Diocese AIDS committees were established through the Diocese.

Results/Lessons Learnt

AIDS committees were formed i.e. at the Diocesan level, Archdeaconry level and Parish level. Over 1,000 clients to be visited at home.

15 church based organizations were formed.

Church members offered their homes to be used as out-reach centres.
The number of people both youth and adults reporting for VCT has more than doubled the previous number 2000 June 500 compared to 1500 (2003, May).
More church members are now willing to offer their homes as outreach centres for treatment and VCT
Couples accessing VCT together has also risen up compared to the past.
HIV/AIDS positive couples are actively involved in drama to reduce the stigma and discrimination in the church.
The Parish religious leaders now organize
Pastoral visits to the sick and offer prayers.
·Baptise Orphans
Bury the dead
Speak openly at the pulpit about sexuality.

Lessons Learnt/Recommendations

Involvement of the church/faith based community in HIV prevention and care reduces stigma and discrimination hence promoting behaviour change, positive living, prolonged lives for PLWHAs
Reduced stigma discrimination enhances quality of life for PLWHAs
Governments should encourage the formation of AIDS committees at all grass-root levels. This will encourage people to break the silence and barriers to effective HIV prevention and care.
Giving in to HIV/AIDS by blaming others for transmitting HIV/AIDS creates the ideal conditions for the virus to spread. Shame must be replaced with solidarity and fear with hope “people living with HIV are part of the solution, not part of the problem, they are the greatest untapped resource in responding to the epidemic.

Subject group: Stigma and Faith-based Organization

Authors Organization: VSO HIV/AIDS

Address Karonga, Malawi

Presenter: Chelengat Justus

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POSTER PRESENTATIONS

ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Stigma and Faith-based Organization

Objectives

Chitetekelo is embarking on providing/review information on facts about HIV/AIDS and develop understanding of the socio-cultural implications of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

We sensitise living positively with HIV, to live healthier and productive lives by improvising them with good nutrition that may incapacitate their defence system. Since we are a home-based care, we impact them to accept. This implies a positive programmatic realization that one has a life threatening infection in the body. No resignation, blame, guilt. It is that the foundation of a new life-style is made.

Methods

We conduct drama and dramatise “blind spots” since it can be costly to us. What we look like from the backs of our heads. We make trips in both urban and rural areas, door to door, motivate them the techniques and basic facts on HIV/AIDS, and the importance of Voluntary Counselling Test (VCT), why it is considered condomise.

Results

Some people accept the motion, others accept and stressed at the same time, others are stressed others acceptance is observed and behavioural change on the go-slow manner is at their back.

Conclusions

I would like to urge VCT centres also in the rural areas more facilities has been a major problems to combat HIV/AIDS, or at least a mobile VCT by Red Cross etc.

Subject group: Stigma and Faith-based Organization

Authors: W. Mundela

Organization: Chitetekelo Support Group

Address: C/o Mancilla Community School , P. O. Box 50429, Lusaka, Zambia

Presenter: W. Mundela

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Advocacy Against HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination in the Religious Communities.

Goal

To reduce HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination in the faith based communities.

Objectives

To sensitise religious leaders with updated HIV/AIDS information
To advocate against HIV/AIDS stigma in the faith based communities.

Activities

Training of Advocates
HIV/AIDS stigma sensitisation campaigns
HIV/AIDS stigma choral festivals

Outputs

3 trainings of advocates conducted
10 HIV/AIDS stigma sensitisation campaign meetings
HIV/AIDS coral festivals on stigma

Outcomes

More people coming up in the open about HIV states in religious settings.
Initiation of programmes targeting PLWHAs by Religious communities/institutions.
Increased participation of PLWHAs their rights being respected and promoted by the faith-based institutions.

Challenges and Problems

Faced some resistance by some faith based institutions authorities.
A lot of misconceptions about HIV/AIDS among faith based leaders and members (PLHWAs regarded as sinners)

Recommendations

It is recommended that there's need for more programmes on HIV/AIDS that target faith leaders as they have an influence on their flock.

Subject group: Stigma and Faith-based Organization

Authors Fatsani Vic Kantini

Organization: YOUDAO

Address P. O. Box 40435, Lilongwe 4 , Malawi
Tel: 265-9-927888, Fax: 265-1-725946

Presenter: Fatsani Vic Kantini

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BOOK APPEARANCE

ABSTRACT BOOKLET

Title: Stigma and Faith-Based Organisation

Objectives

Upon advocating and mobilisation, the families and community members should be able to respond to the role in promoting health preventing messages against HIV/AIDS and fight against stigma and discrimination across society.

Methods

Through posters, plays, sketches, songs, drama, drama, drawings, radio, television, newspapers, traditional forms of communication and trainings /workshops (model of care workshops)

Results

Through model of care workshops, people have been able to understand the situation at hand and are able to come out openly and talk about their health status

Conclusions

It has been concluded that some methods mislead the public in a way that some adverts carry distorted messages, e.g. he deserves dying. This completely discriminates and stigmatises the patients

People have started coming out openly to go for VCT and are accepting the results that come out.

Subject group: Stigma and Faith-based Organization

Authors: Charity Edwin

Organization: Rainbow Projects

Address: Rainbow Project , P.O. Box 240287, Ndola , Tel: 680329/069-942192, : 680329

E-mail: rainbow@coppernet.zm

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Stigma and Faith-Based Organisation

Objectives

Raising awareness among church members that HIV/AIDS is not punishment from God to avoid stigmatisation of People living with HIV/AIDS

Methods

Participatory community awareness raising method through workshops, drama, poetry and songs

Results

Participants were educated and they started taking up roles in caring for People living with HIV/AIDS.

Conclusions

However more efforts are needed to stop the Stigmatisation of people living with HIV/AIDS

Subject group: Stigma and Faith-based Organization

Authors:

Organization: Young Christian Workers

Address: Holy Saviour base Group , P.O. Box 370150, Kafue
Tel: 311293
E-mail: euco@zamnet.zm

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Stigma and Faith-Based Organisation

Objectives

To reduce stigma and discrimination experienced by PLWHAs and those affected within the church and communities at large

Methods

Promote a wide distribution of creative education and training programmes designed to combat the attitudes associated with stigma and discrimination with a view to bring understanding and acceptance
Promote counselling skills training for leaders
To promote language which is non-discriminatory and non-judgmental.

Results

People living with HIV/AIDS will not encounter fear, discrimination and rejection
Protection of PLWHA human rights

Conclusions

The church as the faith-based organisation is there to see to it that PLWHA and the affected are not discriminated, stigmatised and blamed on the basis of behaviour.

Subject group: Stigma and Faith-based Organization

Authors: Synod HIV/AIDS National Committee

Organization: Reformed Church in Zambia

Address: Reformed Church in Zambia
Synod Headquarters P.O. Box 38255, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: 295369, Fax: 260-01-295369
E-mail: rczsynod@zambia

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STIGMA IN THE FAMILY

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Stigma and PLWHA

Objectives

To promote understanding and nature of stigma and it's impact on P.L.W.H.A in families and communities.
To use all means available to prevent self and family stigma and discrimination that surrounds P.L.W.H.A

Methods

The project carries out counselling and information sharing to help P.L.W.H.A accept their status, lives positive, break the silence, change their behaviour hope for the future and let the families and communities accept their status.
Project demonstrates sincere concern for P.L.W.H.A through counselling and provision of welfare needs such as food, clothes, blankets, entrepreneurship and kick-start funds for economic empowerment

Results

Counselling and information sharing promotes understanding which removes stigma from families and P.L.W.H.A. The behaviour of those with stigmatising attitudes in the family changes, while individual contacts with P.L.W.H.A are enhanced due to information sharing and knowledge. Self-stigma drastically reduces and eventually stopped.
As AROS applies these strategies, we begin to see guilt, shame, feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness removed. P.L.W.H.A begin to cultivate self-confidence, self worth, self-esteem and hope for the future, thereby eradicating self and family stigma.

Conclusion

Some people suffering from AIDS are not dying by AIDS. They are killed by stigma that surrounds P.L.W.H.A. therefore it is incumbent upon us all, to rise up and fight stigma and eradicate this evil both in families and communities. One of the most effective weapons to remove self-stigma and stigma that surrounds P.L.W.H.A is the prevention of HIV/AIDS because where there is no AIDS there will be no stigma.

Subject group: Stigma in the Family

Authors: Mutale Bwalya (REV), Gorge Mwale

Organisation: AROS (Restoration)

Address: Compensation House , P.O Box 72507, Ndola
Tel: 02 620048, Fax: 02 622338
E-mail: arosorg@yahoo.co.uk

Presenter: Mutale Bwalya

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: HIV/AIDS and the family.

Objectives:

To share experiences with the conference.

To stimulate discussion and draw more ideas form the conference on what can be done to reduce stigma and discrimination among families and the community as a whole.

Organizational background:

ACORD Botswana programme is in the North West District, about 280km from Maun. The programme was established in 1999.The goal of the program is Sustainable Reduction of Poverty in Ngamiland West with a purpose to empower, improve community livelihoods and contribute to effective cooperation and policy dialogue at local and national level. Programme is implemented in three pilot areas. Some of the communities are hard to reach, in the delta of Okavango. Though remote as they are, there is a lot of mobility due to tourism, migration of people in seek of employment and those who bring resource and goods from resource central points in the country. In these communities some of the predominant traditional and cultural practices are risky and may contribute to spread of HIV infection.

Additional to this, are seven villages along the tarmac for HIV/AIDS awareness work.

HIV/AIDS programme aims at raising levels of awareness, and understanding and enhancing individual capacity to reduce risk and respond effectively to HIV/AIDS. It collaborates with different stakeholders and partners to achieve its aim both in the community and at national levels.

Introduction:

Botswana Situation:

Botswana is one of the countries that have been highly hit by HIV epidemic with a prevalence rate of 38.4% in 2001 and 35.4% in 2002 sentinel surveillance, to an extent that is causing much concern to the both the country and nation as a whole. The situation has been sited at several forum, nationally, international and globally. This picture is observed throughout the country including urban and rural communities. There is no significant difference in the two areas.

Approach used to intervene in the community:

ACORD believes that people are best actors in their own development, hence it ensures that the process is community driven and owned. Participatory methodologies are used to accomplish this. A process of community mobilization is employed as a way of consulting and targeting everybody in the community. Consultation starts with community leaders who will in response consult with their subordinates.

Strategies that are employed for intervention:
Formation of Village Multisectoral AIDS Committees (VMSACs).
Community Needs Assessment. Community Facilitators.
Awareness Raising Workshops.
Plan implementation.

Achievements:

Gradual change of behavior: condom use is becoming popular.
Prevalence rate down by about 3%
Increased numbers of Voluntary Testing for Prevention of mother to child transmission.

Challenges:

Culture and myths: Communities know what HIV/AIDS is but they do not understand what it really is. They hold onto some myths that they believe could be the cause for HIV/AIDS. In polygamous marriages the infection spreads wildly in the household and AIDS wipes out the wives living behind orphans.

Traditional medicine: They believe that traditional medicine can cure AIDS. This results in the sick being delayed at home without accessing hospital treatment and care.

Neglect of the sick by families: The sick become part of the village gossip and are kept in the backyard.

Men are slow to engage in HIV/AIDS interventions.

Poverty: Community people prioritise poverty HIV first to HIV/AIDS

Stigma: It is not only people who stigmatise each other, but also even HIV support programmes are stigmatised and this disadvantages those who can benefit from them. As long as the program is identified with HIV/AIDS people do not welcome it.

Remoteness: access to support delays because the areas are far away from resource centres.

Conclusion;

Stigma that is associated with HIV/AIDS is so much that people are afraid to access assistance that is due to them. HIV being associated with sex brings about stigma. When someone thinks of going public he/she thinks that other people will think he/she has been involved in promiscuity. People stigmatize themselves for that reason, and they are being stigmatized and discriminated by other for the same reason. It is high time humanity took sex as natural phenomenon that all beings exercise and nothing to be ashamed of. In these times of HIV epidemic it is crucial that people become open enough to save the sinking human population. Men and women should take the initiative to bring a positive change that can benefit humanity and save the world. Positive collaboration with all stakeholders should be geared at changing the situation that we are in for better. This would involve lobbying for policies that work against stigma and discrimination at all levels to protect those who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors:

Organization: ACORD Botswana

Presenter: Margie Morris

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Community wards off stigma

Background:

A baseline survey by WASN reflected that high illiteracy among women and girls on HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive health and rights contributed immensely to stigma in Chikwaka community.

Method:

In an effort to destigmatise HIV/AIDS, the project focused on gender sensitive awareness and training that included the participation of the whole community. Trained mentors initiated HIV/AIDS dialogue among the youths and their families. The issue of stigma and how it could be reduced were discussed openly. To meet the information needs, WASN together with the community produced materials on HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Results:

Establishment of support groups for HIV/AIDS orphans and home based care program in the community.

Introduction of a mobile voluntary testing unit in the community. People go for HIV test openly, which is an indicator that stigma is significantly reduced in Chikwaka community.

Support for people living with HIV/AIDS form local leadership. People living with HIV/AIDS get priority in the food distribution programs. Because of the support, many people have come out in open about their HIV status.

Local leadership discusses HIV/AIDS issues at community gatherings such as food distribution. Very often, these discussions continue after the meting between parent and their children.

Conclusion:

Community participation has been key in the reduction of stigma in Chikwaka. The involvement of community leadership in HIV/AIDS programs forms a pillar in community initiatives and sustainability of the project in communities

Subject group: Stigma and the family

Authors: Emedie Gunduza

Organization: Women and AIDS Support Network

Address: 13 Walter Hill Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: 263 4 791401/2/4, Fax : 263 4 791401/2/4
Email: WASN@mweb.co.zw

Presenter: Emedie Gunduza

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: HIV/AIDS Anti-Stigma Toolkit Understanding and Challenging Stigma

Most people in sub-Saharan Africa with HIV/AIDS rely on care from their families, friends and communities, and also need to know how best to help themselves. Most importantly is to reduce the stigma and discrimination attached to HIV/AIDS. This helps those infected and affected to openly seek the support they need.

Objectives

To promote quality health care for PLWHA and their families.
To advocate for the infected and affected to be heard regarding all issues that affect them.
To lobby for treatment access.
To identify and support children orphaned by AIDS.
To lobby for full human rights of people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS
To help establish support groups, carers, home-based care volunteers and peer educators
To raise HIV/AIDS awareness, particularly among the youth.
There are several methods which we have used
The stakeholder meetings, in the community (leadership involvement)
Workshops for home carers, home-based care volunteers, youth in and out of school peer educators.
For the youth, we are doing the Education for Life, Behaviour Change process program. We are running 10 Youth Alive Clubs in 10 Secondary schools. We also have youth groups out of school.
We have done a Review Workshop and a Mid-term evaluation with one of our partners, Ms. Zimbabwe.
Most of the program staff have been trained in lobby and advocacy which has been another method to spear head our work.

Results

Most of our clients can now live longer as they access to treatment.
Those terminally ill die in an able environment as we give our clients kits which have some basic health equipment
Through the Behaviour change programme most youth have meaningful lives.
Some orphans have managed to complete their education or continue

Conclusions

In a very short statement, programme has great impact in our area.

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors Meck Sibanda

Organization: Sikhethimpilo Centre

Address: Sikhethimpilo Centre
P. O. Box 119, Maphisa, Zimbabwe
Tel: 263-82-446, Fax: 263-82-446
E-mail: sikheth2001@mweb.co.zw

Presenter: Meck Sibanda

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Economic Empowernment for Stigma Reduction

Objectives

Considering the ever increasing social problems besetting the People Living with HIV/AIDS (PWAs), a group of committed PWAs Volunteers of multisectoral background has put a new face in the community whose aim is to enhance the caring and serving the interest of its members, mobilizing community participation within each respective neighbourhood so as to be able to visualize themselves as providers of needs.

Methods

This group of PWAs Volunteers, about 20 men and women has realized and confirmed that there is no way sustainability and continuity can be maintained youth projects to support the system, to ensure a practical and exemplary remedial measure to this problem the PLHWAs Volunteers have undertaken survival skills at the Day Care Centre i.e. Tailoring, doll making, gardening, piggery and advocacy. The volunteers have also embarked on a referral system where critical cases are taken to hospital with the aid of its members.

The number of PLHWAs under care and support programme at the Centre has increased from

20-105 members an indication of stigma reduction. Family members of infected persons are very free in referring their relatives or bringing them to the Centre for continued counseling, care and support.

Conclusions

Stigma is just in our homes. If members of the community do not rise to meet the challenges that are affecting their community then they are doomed. Most of the time we pretend not to understand stigma when we are part of it. Probably it would even be difficult to define because we do not understand it nor can we scale up.

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors : Lawrence Mulenga

Organization: Isubilo Day Care Centre

Address: P. O. Box 410156, Kasama , Zambia
Tel: 260-4-221654/221655, : 260-1-221096

Presenter: Lawrence Mulenga

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Going Public and Stigma Reduction

Objectives

To support PLWHAs and their families to cope with stigma by increasing access to counselling, support groups and life-skills training.
To reduce the presence of stigma and increase access to and use of VCT and treatment services

Methods

Kara is a well established NGO which provides support and various programmes both for, and run by PLWHAs. This includes an outreach programme made-up of PLWHAs who are open about their sero-status and use their personal experiences to sensitise the community in which they use.

Results

Stigma is thrown back in the face of those who stigmatise, creating curiosity, reflection and debate.
Reduction in the levels of stigma
Increased accessibility and use of VCT

Conclusions

Going public is an essential tool in anti-stigma action and is the right direction in promoting GIPA principles and contribute greatly to prevention, care and treatment interventions.

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors: Chama Musoka, Nkomeha Charity, Charity Mwape

Organisation: Kara Counselling

Address: Kara Counselling Hope House
P. O. 37559, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: 260-1-227087, : 260-1229848
E-mail: hopekara@zament.zm

Presenter: Chama Musoka

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Stigma in the Family

Objectives

Nkhota-kota Youth Organization is a youth run non-governmental organization formed in 1997 with the aim of boasting their well-being and enhancing youth participation with a positive mental attitude towards development.

The organization received funding from National AIDS Commission to a time of K8.8 million for its activities and one of the component is campaign to end stigma, discrimination, shame and silence surrounding HIV/AIDS. The campaign has just been launched and we shall replace in other areas in Nkhota-kota District. During the campaign we do have testimonies from people living with HIV/AIDS and also involving people with influence to the society. This has been done after seeing the successes that our friends have achieved in countries like Brazil, Uganda, and Thailand because the political leadership has to foster openness about issues and wide range responses. It is against this background that we involved Minister of Transport and Public works to be involved in the launch of the campaign to end stigma, shame and silence and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDS, which we felt, was best practice to share.

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors: Robert Mbaya

Organisation: Nkhota-kota Youth Organization

Address: P. O. Box 162, - kota, Zambia
Tel: 260-1-292398, Fax: 260-1-292454
E-mail: nkkhc@malawi.net

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Case Studies in the Religion

Objectives

Provide qualitative and quantitative data on the most vulnerable age faced with Sigma and Discrimination
Provide alternative models to reduce Stigma and Discrimination
Provide information on solutions to assist victims of Stigma and Discrimination

Methods

Assessment of case studies of difficult countries, which focus on the methods used to reduce Stigma and Discrimination against HIV/AIDS patients. Development possible alternatives to use against Stigma and Discrimination such as awareness through visual aids such as graphic illustrations, etc. Development training programmes on technical methods towards HIV/AIDS, Project formulation and Management, Research and interpretation skills, crisis management, etc. The prolific aim is develop organizations that consist of workers who are HIV infected. Youth Support Group centred on the 12 steps of rehabilitation.

Results

Substantial results in the reduction of Stigma and Discrimination will be achieved over 5 years implementation of models. Victims of stigma will manage the crisis effectively.

Conclusions

The fight against HIV/AIDS calls for diverse strategies to incur positive changes. This culture can only be achieved through regular consultants between organizations. Stigma is a result of stereotype attitude and inadequate access to information by those who practice it.

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors: PORADA, Kabwata Clinic, United Nations Development Programme

Organisation: PORADA

Address: C/o P. Bag x476rw
Works and Supply Provincial Building, Sadzu Road
Tel: 260-1-221018, Cell: 260-97-757664
E-mail: drugfreeporada2000@yahoo.com

Presenter: Yanjanani Makewana

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Anti-AIDS Clubs as a Tool for Stigma Reduction

Objectives

To spread the information on stigma related to HIV/AIDS to the families through the formation of Anti-AIDS Clubs.
To empower the Anti-AIDS Club members with information on HIV/AIDS and stigma in order for them to spread it to the families.

Methods

HIV/AIDS statistics indicate that every Zambian is either infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, this situation has escalated the effects of stigma in the communities especially among People living Positively with HIV/AIDS. People are either stigmatized or stigmatizing others.

Formation of more in and out of School Anti-AIDS Clubs can help in mitigating the stigma in communities. The higher the number of members in the Clubs will determine the how wide the coverage area will be. Effective training of members is also essential. Other support should also follow such as Income Generating Ventures and contemporary youth initiatives. Use of the Back-up initiative to the Anti-AIDS Club called peer education programme were school leavers get recruited to work as peer educators and coordinate the Clubs in a given area, has shown the increase in the number of active Anti-AIDS Clubs.

Results

Most families have members who are in school at primary, secondary or tertiary level.

Family members are getting the information, from the Family members who are in school and are members of the Anti-AIDS Club. The number of active Anti-AIDS Clubs has increased. Clubs have started Income Generating Ventures proceeds to go towards support of people affected by HIV/AIDS. Clubs also visit places such as hospices to give moral and spiritual support to the infected.

Conclusions

The intensification of the programme can provide a good medium of communication and sensitization of the family members on the Dangers of HIV/AIDS and stigma.

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors: Elias Phiri

Organization:

Address: P. O. Box 413, Monze, Zambia
Tel: 260-1-223589
E-mail: fht@zamnet.zm

Presenter: Elias Phiri

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Diverse Ways of reducing Stigma and Discrimination

Objectives

To ensure that HIV/AIDS patients are not discriminated, do not become outcasts, not shunned and avoided by families and communities. To ensure that HIV/AIDS patients are not considered draining or wasting the little financial resources of the family. Patients not to be considered a waste on the cost of production in the industry and social community work, To consider HIV/AIDS patients equal to the rest in the family and community.

Methods

Group discussions, participatory approach Demonstration, modeling, lecture, Plenary session and practical session.

Results

Home-based Care is helping change attitudes towards rejection, overprotection and the consistency of standards of caring by families for HIV/AIDS patients.
The philosophy of INCLUSIVE Education care of HIV/AIDS patients has made the families fully understand the concept to early identification, intervention and inclusion of HIV/AIDS in the family and community. Patients are receiving good care, treatment and are considered equal to the rest.
Families have been trained and sensitized in the area of Early Identification, intervention and inclusion and programmes are performed well.

Conclusion

If families understand people with HIV/AIDS, development, improved methodology, positive attitudes towards working with parents, people with AIDS and communities, and a strong emphasis on Psycho-social counseling, the situation can provide for at least some HIV/AIDS patients a strong start and foundation.

The adoption of more patients centred, active training and teaching approaches, greater involvement of HIV/AIDS patients, better interaction in the family and community settings can be achieved in the family community. The effects of human development ought to be considered. There is need to look at the integration and inclusion of people with AIDS in different kinds of programmes offered at family level, etc.

The concept of normalization i.e. The negative attitudes that exists in the family and community be attended to seriously.

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors: Mwilu Christopher

Organization: IFYO Muli Health Care Association

Address: P. O. Box 41377, Mufulira, Zambia
Tel: 260-97-880046, : 260-2-410211
E-mail: christophermwilu@yahoo.com

Presenter: Mwilu Christopher

................................................................................................................

Title: Alleviating stigma and discrimination through psychosocial support and awareness raising

Rationale:

Most people affected or infected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic face discrimination and stigma. Carers of those affected and infected lack psychosocial support in order to cope with the discrimination and stress brought by the stigma and discrimination.

Objective

To give skills and psychosocial support to care givers of HIV/AIDS patients and those orphaned by the pandemic in order to mitigate the incidence of discrimination and stigma in the community.

Methods

20 caregivers from rural site of Zambia (Katondwe in Luangwa District) were trained in psychosocial support for HIV/AIDS patients and orphans through community participation, role-plays and group discussions.

Results

The caregivers report less stigma and discrimination including reduced labeling by members of their community. Further, the psychosocial support has taken an “a multiplier effect” since those trained help their colleagues to cope and raise awareness among community members.

Conclusion

The HIV/AIDS stigma reduction project should be integral part of the interventions against the spread of HIV/AIDS pandemic involving all communities. Communities need to internalize information about HIV/AIDS through ongoing awareness raising.

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors: Rose Kasonde-Kakompe

Organization: Community Youth Concern

Address: Sentor Motors Building, Great North Road
P. O. Box 39833, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: 260-1-2353076, 260-1-235307
E-mail: christophermwilu@yahoo.com

Presenter: Rose Kasonde- Kakompe

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Self awareness of the five aspects of a human by traditional initiators as a tool for preventing HIV/AIDS Stigma

Objectives

Have traditional initiators be self-aware so that they too can integrate it in their work with families.
Traditional initiators to feel part and parcel in the fight against HIV/AIDS stigma as they also come from difference families.

Methods followed

Arrangement of identifying traditional initiators was through traditional channels i.e. Chiefs, headmen and indunas.
Traditional initiators were trained for 10 days on different topics pertaining to their work, one of this being self awareness.
Role-play, story telling and these were followed by a discussion in the group.

Results

Traditional initiators change attitude and behaviour towards those affected/infected.
Families talked to by initiators have reported adopting positive attitude/behaviour towards the affected/infected.
Youths initiated by the traditional initiators have reported influencing fellow youths and their families to feel for the infected.

Conclusion

From the above results traditional initiators can contribute in the fight against HIV/AIDS stigma in families.

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors: Mary Tizi Tembo

Organization: Community Youth Concern

Address: Sentor Motors Building
Great North Road
P. O. Box 30833, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: 260-1-2353076, Fax: 260-1-235307
E-mail: cycm@coppernet.zm

Presenter: Mary Tizi Tembo

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Scaling up responses through networking, advocacy and community mobilisation

Objectives

Families to understand the way in which HIV disrupts family life.
Families to understand the link between the causes and the consequences of HIV/AIDS
Families to understand the impact of HIV/AIDS on the family
Families to understand the importance of Human Rights of people living with HIV

Methods

The first exercise in which some of the family members will be found to be HIV positive. This was then followed by discussion.
The second exercise in which family members were deprived of some of their Human Rights which they thought were more important to them. Again this was followed by a discussion.
Lastly counseling sessions were conducted both individual and group (family)

Results

Misconceptions about HIV/AIDS were cleared out.
Open communication on HIV and related issues in the family was triggered
Decreased stigma and discrimination in the family

Conclusion

Group discussion as well as counseling, both individual and group can greatly reduce stigma and discrimination in families.

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors: Emmanuel Phiri

Organization: Community Youth Concern

Address: Sentor Motors Building, Great North Road
P. O. Box 30833, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: 260-1-2353076, Fax: 260-1-235307
E-mail: cycm@coppernet.zm

Presenter: Emmanuel Phiri

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Children's Experiences of HIV/AIDS related stigma and Discrimination in rural and urban Zambia

Objectives

Within a wider research study, to capture children's experiences and perceptions of HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination in urban and rural Zambia.

Methods

Four groups of children were identified from two urban and one rural sites, school going children; out of school children; street children; and children living with HIV. These eight groups (four urban and four rural) attended one-day participatory workshops that consisted of story telling, drawing, drama (using themselves and toys) and individual interviews. Trained child counselors conducted the workshops and carried out follow-ups with the children who participated.

Results

The stigma of being an orphan cuts across all the groups of children. Orphans were aware of being treated differently to other children they were often the first to be withdrawn from school if household resources were limited and often received less food and were given more household chores. The out of school children were exceptionally deprived both materially and emotionally and the girls in the urban site were already involved in sex work. For many of the children participating, it was their first time to be asked how they felt about the death of their parents and they broke down crying. The resilience of the children was also evident.

Conclusion

In the context of poverty and at this stage of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, affected children are experiencing many different forms of stigma and discrimination and it is evident that they often become a focus of household stress. Out of school children are particularly vulnerable. Education and increased access to material and psychological support could help reduce stigma and discrimination that orphans experience.

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors: Edwin Mwanza

Organization: KCTT and ZAMBART Project

Address: P. O. Box 37559, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: 260-1-237919
E-mail: trainingcentre@zamnet.zm

Presenter: Edwin Mwanza

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Reducing stigma in the family through community participation and training: the case for Chiwundura Community Home based Care, Midlands, Zimbabwe

The aim of the project was to bring affected families together with the community so they can share the burden of caring and reduce stigma and discrimination of infected and affected.

Specific objectives were to relieve families of the stress, burn out and fear associated with caring for people living with HIV/AIDS and to enhance the life of patients and orphans in the district. Affected families rendered to be isolated and unsupported. The family as the primary institution of socialization and nurturing can play a pivotal role in eliminating stigma and discrimination associated with HIV infection.

Following community needs assessment; the community was brought together and educated on HIV/AIDS and importance of sharing the burden of the epidemic. The community selected 38 women and 3 men who were later trained as caregivers. Training included care of sick, counseling and psychosocial support for orphans. Each ward has a supervisor who was further trained in sexual and reproductive health rights, safe sex and use of female and male condoms. From this training caregivers perform dramas on stigma and discrimination in the home at gatherings. Community leaders and other prominent people also trained in psychosocial support and human rights. Orphaned children were brought together at camp to share ideas, experiences and coping strategies.

The project is based on Primary health care principles of community participation, appropriateness, accessibility, and availability of services as well as multisectoral approach. Health care providers work hand in hand with the home-based care team so as the community leaders. Some families inform headmen of their need for care and the caregivers are then alerted.

The number of patients on the register keeps rising and families disclose status to the caregivers. Problems of children orphaned by AIDS are tackled collectively.

Community participation and training have strengthened the programme so much that caregivers are almost overwhelmed by the number of people who disclose their status freely. However it is hoped that the programme will be extended to PLWHA not on home based care, but simply living positively

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors: Elizabeth Dangaiso

Organization: Women Action Group

Address: 11 Lincoln Road, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: 263-4-339161 / 339292, Fax: 263-4-339161
E-mail: wag@wag.org.zw

Presenter: Elizabeth Dangaiso

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POSTER PRESENTATIONS

ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Integration of HIV/AIDS activities and psychosocial life skills at Ipusukilo Community School Programme.

Objectives:

Build capacities of Ipusukilo Community School by way of integrating HIV/AIDS programmes and Psychosocial Life Skills in school programmes
To stimulate community response to the imaging challenging impacts of HIV/AIDS on Orphans and vulnerable Children.

Methods:

Copperbelt Health Education Project (CHEP) has been collaborating with Ipusukilo community school since 1997, by ensuring that the community increases the levels of access to basic education, psychosocial life skills training and HIV/AIDS education to Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) at community level.
CHEP has been collaborating with the community through provision of technical Support to Parents Community School Committee, Teacher and Care givers

Results:

Stigmatisation and discrimination among orphaned children has dropped.
The number of HIV/AIDS orphans accessing basic education has increased from 944 in the year 2002 to 1120 in the year 2003.
The school is now able to enrol from a cross section of society hence strong community participation.

Subject Group: Stigma in the Family

Authors: Kafusha Mfula

Organisation: Copperbelt Health Education Project (CHEP)

Address: Copperbelt Health Education Project, 8 Diamond Drive, Martindale Area
Kitwe Central, Kitwe- Zambia
P.O Box 23567
Fax: 02 222723
Email: kafusha@chep.org.zm

Presenter: Kafusha Mfula

................................................................................................................

ABSTRACT FORM

Title:

1 Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor, BOCAIP

The epidemic in Botswana is now estimated to be at 35.4% point prevalence according to the latest surveillance done by the National AIDS Coordinating Agency in 2002. In Botswana, the Botswana Christian AIDS intervention programme has adopted an approach to prevention, care and support of the infected and affected that is run, managed and monitored by the community. In this discourse, we discuss the approach adapted with the view of outlining our desire and procedures to ensure quality delivery of services in the community.

Core to our approach is community participation, which is central in the running of 11 centres. BOCAIP offers a broad spectrum of services covering preventative counselling (692people), pre-test (479 people) and post-test counselling (219 people), community outreaches (32,406 people reached) and resource mobilisation strategies, Support of vulnerable groups (129 PLHWAs), Youths (770 youths) Orphan and vulnerable children's care programmes (654 orphans), Capacity building and Institutional development of the local capacity's ability to respond to the epidemic (figures represent the first quarters activities 2003).

To ensure quality, BOCAIP has a quality assurance team, which enhances capacity through training of community members on HIV/AID counselling, setting up management teams that include and involve all the broader based church community. While the philosophy informing the response is Christian, the services are given to all the members of the community regardless of their religious persuasion.

In our bid to ensure quality, we have developed a monitoring and evaluation plan, a set of indicators and put in place mechanisms and structures both at national and local/regional level for the purpose of monitoring our response. This makes it easier for the management of the programme implementation process.

Conclusion:

It is felt that the sustainability of the response is going to be determined by the degree in which our activities are embedded in the community. To achieve this, the method has been to focus energy on core concerns of the community and through the use of traditional structures in the community. As sustainability and quality service delivery are processes, we have set in place strategies to ensure that the communities' response is sustainable and that the quality of services provided are appropriate and of sufficient quality. The community approach so far has enabled us to reach a greater number of people with little resources and at the same time have developed a greater base of support from the community members (individual and cooperate).

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Presenter: Otieno

................................................................................................................

ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Stigma associated with disability and HIV/ AIDS

Many disabled people have been discriminated by their own families because of Stigma associated with disability. Many have been locked up or have been isolated.

In SIAZ, we have been encouraging our members to be productive and to help them start self-help projects. This has helped in reducing the Stigma associated with disability. We have been exposing our members to empowering literature like self-help projects, HIV/AIDS and life in general. The exposure has made it easier for some of them to announce any other problems they have although those whom I personally know have HIV/AIDS still cannot disclose their status out of fear of the unknown, fear of the rejection in the society and fear of rejection by their families and friends who might have just recently adjusted to their disability.

Our organization's membership, which admits all kinds of disabilities, makes it difficult to educate. There are communication problems with Blind since there is not enough Braille on HIV/AIDS literature and with the Deaf, it is more difficult.

A study should be carried out to understand/appreciate the differences of persons with disabilities. We are seeking funding for Braille literature on HIV/AIDS and other materials to help our groups of people and to start campaign programmes focused on HIV/AIDS and disability.

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors:

Organization: Spinal Injuries Association of Zimbabwe

Address: P. O. Box Be1234, Belvedere, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: 263-4-741393/091302414, Fax: 263-4-704691/2
E-mail: siazimbabwe@yahoo.com

Presenter: Lewis Garaba

................................................................................................................

ABSTRACT FORM

Title:

Objectives

To integrate EDUSPORT into the already existing educational, social and sports structures and systems.

Methods

Peer coaching (Peer Educators) through sport. A coach in team-teaches AIDS education to the team.

Results

Active sportsmen and women are well informed about HIV/AIDS (Stigma and Family)

Conclusions

Sportsmen and women are regarded as role models in their communities they live. Who should in turn talk openly about HIV/AIDS (Stigma and Family)

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors: Bwalya Mwamba

Organization: Bwalya Mwamba

Address: P. O. Box 51334 RW, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: 260-1-221919, Fax: 260-1-221919
E-mail: edusportfoundation@hotmail.com

Presenter: Bwalya Mwamba

................................................................................................................

ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Self awareness and HIV/AIDS Stigma

Stigma can be defined as a disgrace attached to anyone. To stigmatise is therefore to mark, brand, denounce or describe someone in a disgraceful of condemnatory way through our actions, looks or attitudes. In this case study, a sample A comprising of an HIV/AIDS Positive and Living couple were physically monitored using Window 1 and Window 2, of “JOHARI's WINDOW” model of self-awareness.

The couple knew to themselves that they were HIV/AIDS positive without other people knowing because they didn't exhibit any visible sign of infection. It is at this 'Hidden Secret' window that maximum spread of HIV/AIDS by the infected to the unsuspecting uninfected is real. It was very evident that HIV/AIDS is a disease that thrives in secrecy. Window 1, known to oneself and to others:

The couple knew and others knew that the couple or one of them is HIV/AIDS Positive because of the visible signs like wilting, opportunistic infections or/on off the bed. It is at this 'Free Area' window that maximum stigma and discrimination with minimum spread of infection is real. This stigma and discrimination is due to the fact that more than sixty percent of the people in Zambia associate HIV/AIDS with unprotected sex, immorality and promiscuity.

It was evident that the affected and the HIV/AIDS infected persons most times tend to perpetuate stigma by disgracing and discriminating themselves from the community. To scale up responses to stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, there is need for the stake holders to network, advocate for psychosocial support and effective counseling to those infected and integrate themselves with programmes involving people living with HIV/AIDS.

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors: Oliver Mudenda

Organization: Lusaka Prov Peer Educators Association

Address: C/o Meteorological Dept
P. O. Box 30200, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: 260-1-271100/251889, Fax: 260-1-252728
E-mail: zmd@zamnet.zm

Presenter: Oliver Mudenda

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BOOK APPEARANCE

Title: Stigma and the Family

Objectives

Raising awareness in families to stop neglecting or mistreating people living with HIV/AIDS but to offer them support

Methods

Interaction with families in the community discussing HIV/AIDS with the intention to change negative attitudes and perceptions of people living with HIV/AIDS

Results

Families with suspected to have PLWHAs became very caring

Conclusions

The campaign needs to continue to reach out to more families

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors: YWC Members

Organization: Young Christian Workers

Address: Holy Saviour Base Group
P.O. Box 370150, Kafue
Tel: 311293
E-mail: euco@zamnet.zm

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Home is best- Drama Activities to Reduce Stigma

Objectives

Together as One Theatre Productions is a community AIDS Service Organisation registered with Zimbabwe AIDS Network (ZAN). It was established in 1992. As an organisation, our project is promoting quality home based care for people living with HIV/AIDS. Our major focus is to support families and communities to prevent stigma, enhancing their natural caring role. Through live performances of drama to target groups, production of family videos that promote self-esteem and prevent stigma. The community ahs been convinced that it's possible to live positively with HIV/AIDS. We produce our well-researched drama, with enough ideas of implementing cost budgets for nutritional foods, Home Based Care and prevention. This enables capacity to make choices that comfort the HIV/AIDS patients, and the affected.

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors: Washington Masenda

Organization: Together As One Theatre Productions

Address: P.O. Box HD 369, Highfield, Harare
Tel: 778471-2, Fax: 778471
E-mail: masenda@yahoo.com

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Counselling and Stigma Reduction

Objectives

To strengthen support within families for people living with HIV/AIDS through counselling
To promote quality health care and encourage people living with AIDS to respond to developmental interventions.

Methods

A number of structured interviews were conducted with clients and their families on family notification and experiences of the patient provider interactions. In Nkwazi and Chipulukusu Compounds of Ndola, there are more than two hundred clients living with their families and through research and individual confessions on stigma, various strategies to address the problem were initiated.

Results

There seem to be an element of stigmatisation still prevailing amongst families. However, the negative attitudes are slowly decreasing due to the information provided on positive living and caring.

Conclusions

The results indicate that increased sensitisation, information sharing amongst families, care and encouragement would promote the dignity and self-esteem of people living with AIDS and enhance acceptance in the families

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors: Juliet Sichilongo, Charles Mumba, Jessie Kamalondo

Organization:

Address: P.O. Box 70284, Ndola
Tel: (02) 640209, Fax: (02) 640290
E-mail: chhouse@zamtel.zm

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Right to Know

Objectives

We as an organisation for youths we are doing everything that we can to see the message get to youths. We think that they have the right to know about these things so that when it comes in the family it will not be something new for them and they can deal with it.

Stigma makes disclosure within the family difficult; without disclosure, prevention and care is almost impossible. Families and communities the two are deeply intertwined in the African context should therefore be supported in preventing stigma, which will further enable their natural caring role. This will promote self-esteem for people living with HIV/AIDS and avoid the vicious cycles of self-stigma.

We have to promote openness and acceptance

Promote life-skills education and counselling to help HIV infected to help HIV-infected and affected children cope with stigma.

Raise awareness so that families and communities can access.

To put in place services that do voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) and follow up care that enable individuals to learn their status and provide support for deciding whether to disclose their status to other family members.

In order to see that the spread of HIV is slowing or even declining, we have to see that these young men and women are being given the tools and the means to adopt safe behaviours.

Young people are more likely to adopt and maintain safe behaviours The fear of stigma and discrimination prevents many young people from seeking testing, counselling and treatment.

It is our responsibility as individuals, parents, community leaders or government officials to create an environment in which young people can talk openly about the issues concerning them. They have the right to know the facts about HIV/AIDS.

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors: Tendai Karumazondo, Lovemore Mataire

Organization:

Address: 1303 Trafalgar CRT, Julius Nyerere Way, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: 00 263 4 916 715, Fax: 00 263 4 791311
E-mail: tendai_k@hotmail.com

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Stigma and the Family

Background of the organisation

Zambia Civic Education Association is a non-governmental, non-profit making organisation established in 1993 under the Societies Act with the motto, “Education for Our Masters.” It was established in the wake of the democratic dispensation with the goal of empowering Zambian citizenry in coping with the then new phenomenon, 'democracy' and the civic education was directed at both the leaders and the electorate.

However, with the growth of other organisations all championing human rights, ZCEA felt there was duplication of efforts and, decided to refocus on Children's Rights

The organisation's experience in schools has shown that the hard times Zambia is going through economically and socially, the high levels of unemployment and HIV and AIDS have all had an adverse impact on the children's lives. Although ZCEA acknowledges that the efforts are being made by both the government and other organisations to provide for children in form of service delivery, the organisation saw the need to contribute to attitude change in children themselves and parents in their approach towards the welfare of children. Through the promotion of children's rights, the organisation hopes to create on the importance of knowing obligations and entitlements of children.

Objective

Our organisation's main objective is to promote Human and Civil rights through the effective rights awareness campaigns by involving communities themselves.

Child Rights Clubs

In view of this the organisation is involved in dissemination of information through workshops and publications. These include involvement in popularising of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. To do this, the organisation has established Child Rights Clubs in high and community schools in three provinces; Lusaka; Central and Copperbelt for the pilot phase. These clubs aim to develop a crop of children who know their rights, are able to claim and protect themselves and grow up to be responsible citizens. The club's activities focus around the four major themes of the CRC:

Survival issues
Developmental issues
Protection issues
Participation issues

It is through the Child Rights clubs and the themes outlined above that our organisation is supporting families and communities to prevent stigma, enhance their natural caring role and promote self-esteem by preventing stigma through child driven awareness campaigns, which aim to direct the HIV/AIDS mitigation to that of human rights, based approach.

Through awareness programmes members of the Child Rights Clubs, aged between five and eighteen years, sensitise their families, schools and their communities on the importance of championing human rights of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

They do this by sensitising their target groups on:

Human rights and what they entail
The relationship between human rights and HIV/AIDS
Why is it important to meet the needs of those infected and affected by a rights approach?

The activities carried out by CRC members around the four major themes of the Convention on the rights of the Child encompass a holistic and rounded approach to addressing the stigma and discrimination that our society inflicts on HIV/AIDS patients.

Summary of violations dealt with in each theme

Survival issues

The right to life Article 6
The right to special protection and help-article20
The right to best health possible and medical care and to information that will help you to stay well-article 24
The right to food, clothes and shelter-article 27
The right to help if hurt, neglected or badly treated-article 39
The right to help from government if you are or in need-article26

Development issues

The Right to education which tries to develop your personality and abilities as much as possible and encourages you to respect other people's abilities and values and to respect the environment-article29
The right to enjoy own culture, practice own religion and use own language even when you come from minority group because of race or religion or language-article30
The right to information-article 17
If disabled, either mentally or physically, you have a right to special care and education to help you develop and lead full life-article 23

Protection Issues

Right to protection against discrimination. This means that nobody can treat you badly because of your colour, sex or religion, if you speak another language- article 2
Right to be protected from work that is bad for your health or education-article 32
Right to be protected from dangerous drugs-article34
Right to be protected from sexual abuse-article34
The right to have rights made reality by government-4

Participation Issues

The right to an opinion and for it to be listened to and taken seriously-12
The right to play and relax by doing things like sports, music and drama-31
The right to be with friends and join or set clubs, unless this breaks the rights of others-15

Conclusion

The above outlined articles, though by no means, exhaustive directly feed into the violations suffered by HIV/AIDS infected and affected

Discrimination is based on stigma that associates HIV/AIDS with immorality. Among the rights denied to HIV/AIDS patients are the right to life, to freedom of expression and information, to privacy, to work, to freedom of assembly, to education, to marry and found a family, to assistance and welfare, health, to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Reducing Stigma and Discrimination in Families and communities

Objectives

To reduce stigma and discrimination resulting from HIV/AIDS to families and communities
To reduce stigma and discrimination through peer education activities in the families and community

Methods

Peer education community programmes on HIV/AIDS prevention and care outreach activities
Observation and counselling services with persons, families and communities infected and affected by HIV/AIDS
Data and information collection during peer education outreach

Results

Care givers, family or friends are faced with stigma and discrimination at all levels thus families, institutions, social and community levels
Self confidence, access to health services, employment opportunities and social interaction are compromised
Tools that can be used to overcome and change such stigma and discrimination at all levels of human interaction have to be formulated.

Conclusions

Reducing and overcoming stigma and discrimination are key issues in improving care and prevention at all levels
Stigma and discrimination are key barriers to effective HIV prevention programmes
Stigma and discrimination affects access to health services, employment, attitudes of families and communities towards infected and affected

Subject group: Stigma and the Family

Authors: Mukwenya Ngandu

Organization: HIV/AIDS Prevention and Network Project

Address: P.O. Box 40019, Mufurila
Tel: (02) 411328, Fax: (02) -411328
E-mail: mukwenyangandu@yahoo.com

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STIGMA IN THE HEALTH CARE SETTING

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Title HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination An Offspring of the Health Care Sector

Issues

Stigma is one of the greatest hindrances to effective prevention, care, support and mitigation of HIV and AIDS since those infected often shy away from services in fear of being stigmatised and discriminated upon. Support services that are of benefit to PLWHAs such as voluntary counselling and testing, STI clinics and support groups become “torture camps” instead of being useful. Community Health workers as well as doctors and nurses have been suggested as one source of stigma and are known to often discriminate against those perceived or known to be living with HIV or AIDS.

Description

Anecdotal findings from discussions with PWLHA and AIDS programme implementers at meetings organised by SAfAIDS have revealed that in many countries in southern Africa, many people living with HIV and AIDS have been either denied treatment or treated unjustly within the health care system or by community care workers because of their positive HIV status. Health worker's attitudes in dealing with PLWHAs and their relatives are often reported as a deterrent in creating the openness required to “normalize” HIV and AIDS. Health workers do not openly discuss HIV/AIDS and related issues. Often, this is due to their own attitudes towards the disease and fear of their own HIV status whether known or unknown.

Lessons Learnt

Documentation on patterns of stigma and discrimination in general will assist in developing interventions that will help reduce stigma, increase openness and hence increase longevity through proper management and care of those infected with HIV.
Health care practice is a source of stigma because of being the primary source of information on peoples' HIV status. Society looks up to health workers as the source of information on disease patterns, disease prognosis and how people with certain diseases or conditions should be treated in general.
Health workers need to role model positive behaviour towards PWLHA.

Recommendations

In view of the leadership role, the power and respect that health workers have in society, there is need to further investigate their role in exacerbating stigma and discrimination.
The extent to which health workers contribute to HIV and AIDS stigma and discrimination in society should be determined. This data can be used to break the silence around patients' HIV status and create a more open and supportive environment towards people infected with HIV.
Policies that address change in health workers' practice should be adopted. Policies around disclosure of HIV/AIDS should address when and how disclosure should be affected. Training curriculum for health practitioners should include skills that address the holistic needs of patients.

Subject group: Stigma in the health care setting

Authors: Priscilla N. Mataure

Organization: SAfAIDS

Address: 17 Beveridge Road, Avondale, Harare
Tel: 263-4-336193/4, Fax: 263-4-336195
Email: priscilla@safaids.org.zw

Presenter: Priscilla N. Mataure

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Fighting Stigma and Discrimination using PLWHA Support Groups

Objectives:

To promote a positive atmosphere in a marginalized community by PLWHAS to people vulnerable to HIV and provision of care and support (especially psychosocial)

Method:

Members of the support group meets that needs of the community members, patients (HIV/AIDS) and their families, youths for example. Human rights matters as one of the components of this programme. Workshops based on experience, counselling, and members who have come out in the open give personal testimonies personal testimonies.

Results:

The involvement of PLWHAS has seen a number (65% of 20 families) have been counselled and tested and announced their status to their close relatives. Some families that rejected some of their members have readmitted them and are affirming that they have known that they were not only the ones going through this tragedy.

Conclusion:

The involvement of HIV+ persons in psychosocial care of other HIV/AIDS patients is an effective initiative for it contributes to a better acceptance of the illness to enable social reintegration and fight the abandonment of HIV/AIDS persons for themselves. Stigma and discrimination can be reduced using this concept.

Subject Group: Stigma in the Health Care setting

Authors: Sammy Chingombe, Muntinta Nyundu

Organisation: Bwafano Community Home Based Care Organisation

Address: P.O. Box 33155 , Lusaka
Tel: (096) 758518
E-mail: bwafano@hotmail.com

Presenter: Sammy Chingomb

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ABSTARCT FORM

Title: Stigma in the Health Care Setting

Objectives:

HIV/Tuberculosis infection lies latent most in Africa's general population. Unfortunately active TB is ten times more likely to develop in a person living with HIV. Being an opportunistic infection, TB takes an opportunity to thrive in the body of a person who has weakened immune system due to HIV infection. Zambia is accountable for the increase incidence of TB and statistical trends threaten with high new cases of TB every year which would not happen without the presence of HIV. LIFE SUPPORT GROUP/ NZP+ has recognised the need and demand for the dual strategy. One for TB control and HIV prevention. One arm of the dual strategy seeks the detailed information concerning the transmission mission and prevention of HIV. While the other arm depends on the control of TB through early and accurate detection and therapy (treatment) but stigma are still high in the health cares.

Methods:

Since the year 2000 Life Support Group/ NZP+ has taken an active role in information dissemination on TB/HIV prevention and care in Chaisa, Mandevu and Garden Shanty compounds.

During TB/HIV information dissemination campaigns by Life Support Group/NZP+ TB/HIV awareness campaign team we came across with 1628 patients who were referred to health cares for TB/HIV Test 1 experienced stigma in these health cares.

Results

Among 1628 persons sent to the clinic for test, 85% of them were tested HIV+. And also were TB patients and my wife was one of these 85%. She developed TB and was admitted in three health centres on which I experienced stigma on the medical personnel. These people were just giving me medicine on the door, they could not even enter room until my wife died on 09/04/03. I was in this pain for 8 months.

Conclusion:

The answer remains in HIV/AIDS organisations to reduce the tragically stigma. Therefore we must step up our capacities and programmes and reach down to all health centres in the communities where the actual war is being waged and where it will ultimately be won in all health centres.

Subject Group: (2) Stigma in the Health Care Settings

Authors: Mathews Ngona

Organisation: Network of Zambian People Living with HIV/AIDS

Address: P.O. Box 32717, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: 26-1-223152, Fax: 26-1-223191
E-mail: ngonamathews@yahoo.com.uk

Presenter: Mathews Ngona

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POSTER PRESENTATIONS

ABSTARCT FORM

Title: Stigma in the Health Care Setting

Objectives

Workshop for health staffs from high level to the grass root on voluntary counselling test.
Stigma attitude towards the positive living clients by staffs at workplace, as is the work of the counselling job excluding other members of the staffs.
Shinning of positive living patient to attend to them while counsellor is not a duty.

Methods

Post counselling to members of staff about changing the attitude towards the clients.
To train more staffs of physical social counselling skills.
Networking with other staffs from every department as long as the staffs have interest to learn counselling skills. And love for the patients.

Results

At reduce negative attitudes towards sick people with HIV/AIDS when they come to the clinic. Indicators will drop down when a lot of people or staff will be counselling and workshops on HIV/AIDS VCT and prevention sensitisation.

Subject group: Stigma in the health care setting

Authors: Gracia Kolya

Organization: Home-based Care Project

Address: Kankoyo Arca, 4 Entebbe Avenue, Mufulira, Zambia
Tel: 260-1-412650 / 96-949222

Presenter: Gracia Kolya

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ABSTARCT FORM

Title: Mechanisms for achieving success in changing institutional and social practices towards HIV/AIDS Victims and vulnerable groups in Kariba lakeshore arena

Introduction

Harvest Help Zambia (HHZ) is a Christian based inter-denominational Non Governmental Organization situated in the Gwembe valley, in Southern part of Zambia. The main objective of HHZ is to improve livelihood of 20,000 people living in Gwembe valley through increased incomes and food production, better health care services and improved basic education standards and community capacity building.

To achieve these objectives, HHZ implements integrated community development encompassing health services, primary education, agriculture and civic management.

In 1995, an HIV/AIDS component comprising prevention and care was integrated into HHZ health department.

Specific Objectives

To promote HIV/AIDS prevention and behaviour change in all areas of coverage through peer education.
To encourage community family efforts in mitigating the impact of AIDS amongst community members including vulnerable orphans.

Methods

HIV/AIDS prevention and care programme comprise a whole range of innovative activities such as peer education and HIV/AIDS awareness campaign, home-based care, counseling, community outreach, condom distribution and promotion of income generation activities.

Orphan Support Programme (OSP) comprise the Orphans Association Project (OAP) and the Orphans Support (OP), under the OSP the community is rearing cattle and goats to contribute to social economic well-being of orphans in their families while OS collaborates with Kasisi Orphanage for care of babies (0-12 months) which are later re-introduced into their family guardians. The Programme supports school requirements for school going orphans while the school dropouts are trained in the life survival skills.
Communities AIDS Support Group (CASP) are established in all communities to provide advise on HIV/AIDS, implement and coordinate the OS and OSP activities in their communities. The CASP also monitor well-being of orphans in their new families to minimize abuse.

Results

Increased acceptance and adoption of orphans into guardian families through socio-economic empowerment of orphans.
Strengthens communities institutional social networks and peer pressure are important in reducing HIV/AIDS stigma and the re-introduction of the natural caring roles and generosity previously upheld by societies.
Reduced HIV/AIDS infection rates.
Communities and families have new changed their bad traditional practices like sexual cleansing, property grabbing and inheritance.
Increased community action to combat HIV/AIDS and its effects on families.

Conclusion

Apart from causing human lose and suffering HIV/AIDS has further destroyed the beautiful social fabric like the natural caring roles and generosities that once made up our societies. Since we-are not defeated but strengthened, Harvest Help Zambia's initiatives have clearly demonstrated that improving the communities institutional and socio-economic condition of vulnerable people is an important trigger in restoring the original natural caring roles and generosities in rural communities.

Subject group: Stigma in the health care setting

Authors: Rose Kasenzhi

Organization: Harvest Help Zambia UK

Address: P. O. Box 37484, Siavonga, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: 260-1-265382

Presenter: Rose Kasenzhi

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BOOK APPEARANCE

Title: Health Care

Objectives

Identify mechanisms for improving the inter-relationship between stakeholders involved in HIV/AIDS activities
Identify target groups for HIV/AIDS campaigns
Outline structures to be used for planning implementation and the monitoring and evaluation of HIV/AIDS campaigns
Obtain feedback from the districts on HIV/AIDS policy documents and other documents distributed to them
Methods
Hold seminars where the exchange of resources and expertise among members and interested parties will share
Hold seminars where I shall educate members of traditional healer how to collaborate in the right against HIV/AIDS, and STD
Provide services such as technical support training that aim at strengthening the capacity of individual members in their campaign against HIV/AIDS.

Results

Most AIDS prevention programmes started with educating people about people about HIV/AIDS on the assumption that, once people were educated about this disease, behaviour change would follow. This assumption has been proved wrong the world over. Even with a high awareness and knowledge of HIV/AIDS behaviour change does not become automatic

Conclusions

I therefore recommend awareness through educating people in the communities, organisations and workplaces, for change of behaviour in both men and women.

Subject group: Stigma in the Health Care setting

Authors: Dr. Berlington Mambara, Dr. Robert Nyambo, Dr. Ester Phiri, Dr. Sipaka Mutelo, Dr. R. Tinto

Organization: I.O. T. M.P.R. Zambia Branch

Address: P.O. Box 20590, Kitwe, Zambia
Tel: 096 904805

Presenter: Dr. Sipaka Mutelo

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STIGMA IN THE WORKPLACE

ABSTRACT FORM

Title:

DWT in Chegutu has an HIV / AIDS Information, Training and Resource centre fully equipped with books, Magazines, Pamphlets, posters, Video Cassettes e.t.c. The Health & Safety officer, with the health & safety Reps from various departments conducts training and counselling sessions every week for our employees, schools in the district and the public.
The conference boardrooms at DWT are used by the District AIDS action committee for monthly meeting to discuss items such as distribution of food e.t.c.
We provide a comprehensive clinic report which shows statistics of various illnesses and deaths on a monthly basis and we comply with SI 202 of 1998.
We provide free condoms to our workers and gloves and home based care equipment which is used for home-based care for our sick employees. This is an outreach programme.
The H.S.O. and H&S reps conducts home based care visits.
We provide transport to bring our sick employees to the Clinic every day to be seen by the medical officer or the company Doctor.
We assist with funeral and burial whenever the time comes for our workers.
We have posters in strategic places throughout the Factory.
We have HIV / AIDS and STI prevention programs in place.

Subject group: Stigma in the Workplace

Authors : E.S. Katerere

Organization: David Whitehead Textiles Ltd

Address: PO. Box 200, Chegutu, Zimbabwe
Tel: 263 53 2421, Fax: 263 53 3669
E-mail: ted@ecoweb.co.zw, dwt@samara.co.zw (work)

Presenter: E.S. Katerere

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Workplace policy as a tool to Destigmatise HIV/AIDS: SAfAIDS practical experiences .

Issues:

People living with HIV or AIDS in the workplace can be stigmatised and discriminated against by co-workers and employers themselves. They are socially and economically isolated that their work performance may be negatively affected in one way or another. This HIV related stigma is increasingly recognised as the single greatest challenge to slowing the spread of HIV. Stigma is mainly due to fear, ignorance and denial. Stigma is not unique to HIV/AIDS only but to other chronic illnesses. Stigmatisation and discrimination in the workplace can take the form of:

Pre-employment HIV testing
Pre- training and promotion HIV testing
Reduced benefits for employees living with HIV or AIDS
Pairing of HIV positive employees with “deputies”
Co- workers refusing to work with HIV positive employees
Rumours/gossiping about people living with HIV or AIDS at the workplace

Description:

SAfAIDS developed a workplace policy that addresses HIV/AIDS related issues with the prime objective of reducing stigma and discrimination associated with HIV AIDS. The policy has been used as a destigmatising tool. The following are some of the activities undertaken to address stigma and discrimination at SAfAIDS.
Developed a rights based, non-stigmatising and non- discriminatory workplace policy that addresses HIV/AIDS related issues.
Developed an HIV/AIDS policy implementation plan that includes sessions on stigma and discrimination
Staff Video shows on stigma related topics
Promote disclosure and shared confidentiality in the workplace for staff to get available assistance
Encouraging staff to read materials in SAfAIDS Resource Centre
Sharing experiences on how people have been affected by HIV or AIDS- (personal values and experiences).

Lessons Learnt:

Difficult for staff to disclose their HIV status due to fear of stigmatisation and discrimination. The stigma associated with HIV at SAfAIDS is not real but perceived.
It is important to win management support in HIV/AIDS policy development and programmes in order to reduce stigma and discrimination.

Recommendations

Workplace policies on HIV/AIDS should be used as a tool to destigmatise HIV/AIDS among employees at any given workplace.
It is critical to adopt participatory approaches in developing HIV/AIDS policies and programmes as this creates openness around HIV/AIDS related issues and opportunities for reassurance from employers.
It is critical to create a supportive environment before policy implementation as this would encourage disclosure hence reduced stigma and discrimination amongst employees.
Employers should from time to time invite PLWHA to give testimonies as this demystify and removes misconceptions about HIV or AIDS.

Subject group: Stigma in the Workplace

Authors: Ngoni Chibukire

Organization: SAFAIDS

Address: 17 Beveridge Road, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: 263 4-336193/4, Fax: 263 4-336195
E-mail: ngoni@safaids.org.zw

Presenter: Ngoni Chibukire

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: HIV/AIDS policies and Practices: The cases of Save The Children (US) Malawi Field Office

The presentation will focus on the guiding principles of SC/US related to HIV/AIDS, approaches to HIV/AIDS prevention education and support in the workplace. Specific programs and activities and how they address stigma and discrimination.

Lastly the presentation will touch on the personnel policies and the practices on sick leave, workload adjustment, medical expenses and policy. The presentation will present the recent experiences at SC/US Malawi field office.

Subject group: Stigma in the Workplace

Authors : Isaac Chipofya

Organization: Save The Children (US)

Address: P. Bag 254, Blantyre, Malawi
Tel: 265-1-621022 / 883653, Fax: 265-1-624980
E-mail: umoyo@malawi.net

Presenter: Isaac Chipofya

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: CHEP's Experience “HIV/AIDS and employees discrimination at Workplaces”.

Objectives

The following are major objectives:
Developing integrated HIV/AIDS workplace policies
Promoting VCT at workplaces
HIV/AIDS information dissemination at workplaces and communities
Total involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS at workplaces

Methods

The methodology used to reach out to companies and communities affected and infected takes the form:

Consultative meetings with stakeholders on the HIV/AIDS workplace policies development
Training workplace-based peer educators who are volunteers
Planning, designing and implementation of effective goal-oriented HIV/AIDS workplace policies

Results

The following results have been recorded over a period of 13 years of working with different companies and organisations:

There has been substantial reduction in cooperate denial from some companies towards the implementation of workplace based HIV/AIDS programmes
Companies have willingly developed workplace based HIV/AIDS policies, which are aimed at care and support for workers infected and affected with the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Employees have known their HIV/AIDS status and hence there has been great involvement by employees living with HIV/AIDS

Conclusions:

The issue of HIV/AIDS at workplaces has and will continue to pose a threat to the organisational growth despite the numerous efforts that are being undertaken by many HIV/AIDS services organisations. However, there is hope at the end of the road, as both companies and employees to respond positively to the emergence of the HIV/AIDS can manifest this in the willingness.

Therefore, a policy document on HIV/AIDS at the workplace will be high on the agenda.

Subject group: Stigma in the Workplace

Authors: Muzyamba Pimmy

Organisation: Copperbelt Health Education Project (CHEP)

Address: P.O. Box 23567 8 Diamond Drive, Martindale, Kitwe
Tel: 229512, Fax: 222723
E mail: chep@zamnet.zm

Presenter: Muzyamba and Mumba

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Stigma in the workplace

Issues

To produce workplace policies that guide and protect the interests/rights of policy beneficiaries, the infected and affected.

Description

The paper will track the experiences of developing a policy for the workplace. The workplace is a great place for addressing HIV since people spend a considerable amount of time interacting. The paper will describe the need for policies by trying to cost the actual value for money lost through, absenteeism, death, medical bills, pension funds etc.

Lessons Learnt

A policy should have ownership to involve all stakeholders.

It is important for workplaces to develop non-discriminatory HIV/AIDS policies which can be used to protect workers from stigma, sexual abuse and discrimination.

Recommendations

Policies can be used to reduce stigma and discrimination and encourage openness at the workplace. The challenge is that ASO must have policies for their workers.

Subject group: Stigma in the Workplace

Authors: D. Musendo

Organization: FACT Mutare

Address: 12 Robert Mugabe Way
P. O. Box 270, Mutare
Tel: 263-20-67493/66015, Fax: 263-20-65281
E-mail: nmutiwanyuka@fact.org.zw

Presenter: N. Mutiwanyuka

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Stigma in the Workplace

Objectives

The objective of the code of practice at workplace is to provide guidance and to help reduce spread and impact of the epidemic. Fundamental principles for policy development and practical guidelines from which concrete responses can be developed at the enterprise, sectoral and in the Zambia Police levels.

Prevention of HIV/AIDS
Management and mitigation of the impact of HIV/AIDS at Workplace
Care and support of workers infected and affected by HIV/AIDS to Police officers and their families.
Elimination of stigma and discrimination on the basis of real or perceived HIV/AIDS status.

Methods

Stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS has since therefore, in mounting a vigorous response in the Zambia Police Force because of one policewoman tested and counseled and has declared her HIV positive status. Officers have now come up in testing knowing their status.

Conclusions

The Zambia Police Force is now readily equipped and determined not only to mitigate the impact but also to arrest the deadly serial killer murder HIV. We will never rest in our pursuit until life sentence of HIV free Zambia Police Force is passed.

Subject group: Stigma in the Workplace

Authors: Gezepi Chankuluta

Organization: ZAMBIA POLICE FORCE

Address: Zambia Police Force
Medical Wing, Home based Care
P. O. Box 50103, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: 2601-1254747/97-864967, Fax: 260-1-253543

Presenter: Gezepi Chakulunta

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Corporate Response to Stigma and Discrimination due to HIV/AIDS in the work place

Objectives:

To describe how Mopani is mainstreaming HIV/AIDS into its core business
To illustrate how issues relating to stigma and discrimination in the work place are being addressed
To outline the challenges that face the process
To give recommendations on the future direction

Methods:

In the policy Mopani outlines several interventions that are aimed at reducing stigma and can be categorised as:
Information based approach including inclusion of a peer education programme
Coping skills acquisition
Counselling approach
Community support base enhanced

Results:

Mopani has a clear policy that is addressing HIV and associated stigma in the work place. The process is still underway and there are clear gaps that are becoming apparent. Some important areas include:

Clear gaps in knowledge for both the workers and programme implementation team with regard to the driving forces of stigma
Confidentiality.
Confidence in the translation of policy to practice against the backdrop of existing preconceptions beliefs and values in the given work environment.

Conclusions:

Mopani recognises that as HIV/AIDS influences every aspect of its core business, stigma is deeply engrained in all the interventions as well as the responses thereto. As a result of this stigma will remain a central focus in all implementation activities to mitigate the effect of HIV/AIDS in the work place.

Subject group: Stigma in the Workplace

Authors: Dr Dixon C. Tembo and Hellen Myezwa

Address: Wusakile Hospital
P. O. Box 21900, Kitwe
Tel: 260-2-249002, Fax: 260-2-247950
E-mail: dctembo@mopani.com.zm

Presenter: Dr D.C. Tembo

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Community Mobilisation enhances Behaviour Change and reduces Stigma in the Workplace

Objectives

To determine the extent to which community mobilisation would influence behaviour change thereby stop stigmatisation amongst employees and employers alike.
To measure the time frame in which favourable responses at the workplace would become apparent for employees to co-exist despite their varied HIV status.

Methods

Initiated a workplace HIV/AIDS sensitisation project (Kafironda AIDS Awareness Project) at the height of scourge in 1993 whose sole aim was to impart knowledge to enhance behaviour change.
Instituted awareness programmes/activities i.e. Prize Competition, Peer education, Counselling Sessions and Home based Care visitations targeting employees and their families.
Collaborated with local institutions i.e. police post, schools, churches, prison, social clubs, clinic and herbalist through a multi sectoral approach involving holding of quarterly management meetings and exchange visitation programmes.

Results

75% of employees freely accessed the project in preference to referral hospital for constancy, desiring to know more about HIV/AIDS, condom use and realized their high mortality rate of a person per month was actually due to HIV/AIDS.
In within a year of existence employees freely and jokingly referred to acquired information such as disease's progression stages i.e. window period, clinical phase etc whenever they sickened unlike in the past when they would dare not talk openly about HIV/AIDS.

Ailing employees would now easily disclose their status and negotiate with management to stay in employment and consider ways of accessing ARVs using the existing medical aid.

Conclusion

Community Mobilisation enhances quick information dissemination and sensitization through wider collaborated efforts.
In a short time sensitized workplaces on HIV/AIDS experiences less instances of stigmatization, as employees are well informed.

Lesson Learnt

Workplace stigmatization is real but is ably thwarted by collaborated efforts.

Key Words

Community Mobilisation, behaviour Change, Stigma, Workplace, HIV/AIDS

Subject group: Stigma in the Workplace

Authors Boniface Chikumbi

Organization: Kafironda AIDS Awareness Project

Address: C/o African Explosives (Z) limited
P. O. Box 40092, Mufulira, Zambia
Tel: 260-1-411253, Fax: 260-1-96-9000111
E-mail: chikumbi@kafironda.co.zm

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STIGMA AND COMMUNICATION

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Empowering the Rural Journalist with HIV/AIDS Reporting skills

Issue

Rural journalists in Zambia are the least advantaged when it comes to executing their tasks, While on one hand they lack cardinal operational equipment, they are also victims of information vacuum on issues relating to HIV/AIDS and its latest developments. This state of affairs has rendered a rural journalist almost incapable of broadly and adequately informing his or her immediate community on HIV/AIDS in its broader perspective. Worse still many rural journalists are incompetent when it comes to addressing apparent stigmatisation that rural communities harbour towards PWAs.

Project

Media Life Movement is a non-governmental organization that has dedicated itself to work with rural journalists in Zambia in HIV/AIDS and other health issues. Its strategy is to access up-to-date, interesting and topical information on HIV/AIDS, which in turn it distributes to rural journalists for their subject-matter knowledge enhancement and reportage purpose. As a way of influencing their perception of HIV/AIDS, the movement dispatches its field workers to rural areas who initiate discussion on HIV/AIDS and in particular focus on stigmatisation and discrimination issues.

Results

Of the rural journalists Media Life Movement has interacted with their understanding of HIV/AIDS increased immensely leading to production of quality and well-researched articles on the subject. The rural journalists' positive perception of HIV/AIDS did not only influence their coverage and reportage but also their association with identified people with HIV/AIDS in their midst or communities. The journalists are able to understand and lobby through their articles that HIV/AIDS is not anybody's choice and therefore people who have it need care and support.

Conclusion

Empowering rural journalists with HIV/AIDS understanding and reporting skills helps a lot of reduction of apparent stigmatisation that most rural communities harbour against people living with HIV/AIDS. The rural journalists must also be remembered in global and national activities aimed at combating the HIV/AIDS pandemic because he caters for the majority of the population which resides in rural set-ups.

Subject group: Stigma and Communication

Authors: Florics Kasumbalesa

Organization: Media Life Movement

Address: P. O. Box 32295, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: 260-1-292096 / 97-794948, Fax: 260-1-292096
E-mail: fkasumbalesa@yahoo.com

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Title:

Umzingwane AIDS Network (UAN) has operated in Umzingwane District, Matabeleland South Province since 1993. Its mission is to mobilize the community so as to reduce the spread of HIV among the youths, young adults and adults and alleviate suffering for those affected and infected. It empowers the community to deal with the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

The strategy adopted by UAN was to reach as many households as possible with communication for behaviour and social change messages. This raised the awareness about HIV and its effects in the family and community. It also raised an interest and commitment within the community in coming up with various responses to the pandemic. The participatory methodology used to promote dialogue is Stepping Stones. Strategies adopted towards responding to stigma and discrimination were: -

Communication for social change where the community looks at different issues that expose people to risky sexual behaviour. Issues of alcohol, money, poverty, rape, teenage pregnancies, culture and other socio economic factors. Issues are discussed at workshops and meetings.
Community dialogue families and communities are encouraged to dialogue with their children and neighbours about HIV and AIDS.
Formation of community based structures that include: PLWHAs, drama groups, home based carers, youth and adult peer educators, orphans and the community leadership is involved in all the groups. The leaders of all the groups found at village level form a coordinating committee at village level. A caregiver or PLWA member either chairs this committee. This interaction is crucial as people discuss issues that help either in prevention or caring of the sick at home, not conditions of people. The caregivers have been instrumental in reducing the stigma among those affected.
Testimonies by those who have tested HIV positive. This helped the community to understand that in as much as they discriminated against the AIDS patients, there were those who were silently carrying the virus and were living within families and community.
Voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) After the community dialogue meeting, the community requested to access HIV testing services. UAN collaborated with new start centres from Bulawayo. VCT outreach activities were organized. After tests people organized themselves into post-test clubs. Those who had tested positive initiated this. This group was started at Shale ward 8 of Umzingwane district.

Impact

People are gradually becoming open about their HIV status.

More and more people are joining the various HIV and AIDS support groups in the district. From June 2002 to date 187 people living positively with HIV and AIDS joined the old members. More are still joining.
HIV and AIDS clients are accepted by their families and the community. The people in the community have come to terms with their being HIV positive. They secretly anticipate that when they test positive they need to be accepted. Therefore they accept others. Patients/clients are given love and quality care at home.
Orphans are cared for and fostered by members of the community. The infected children are identified from the signs and symptoms and the community take responsibility for these children assigning 2-3 carers to take care of them.
Dialogue at family level where parents and children discuss sexuality issues.
Aunts, uncles and community-based counsellors are accessible too.
Child sexual abuse project for children is in place to prepare children for adolescents and raise awareness on child sexual abuse.

UAN has found that dialogue with the families and communities are helping reduce stigma and discrimination.

Subject group: 1. Stigma and Communication 2.. Stigma and the family , 3. Stigma and Faith-based organizations
4. Stigma in the health care setting, 5. Stigma in the Workplace

Authors: Lucia Malemane, Bigboy Ngwenya, Christopher Nkomazana, Mthabisi Mabaleka

Organization: Umzingwane AIDS Network

Address: P. O. Box 112, Esigodini, ZIMBABWE
Tel: 263-88-449, Fax: 263-88-472
E-mail: umzingan@mweb.co.zw

Presenter: L. Malemane

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Title: HIV/AIDS Anti-Stigma Toolkit Understanding and Challenging Stigma

Objectives

To raise awareness and promote action to challenge HIV stigma and discrimination through the development of anti-stigma education materials in the form of a toolkit which uses interactive exercises and activities.

Methods

In the footsteps of a multi-country research study aimed at understanding HIV related stigma and discrimination, a series of participatory workshops were conducted in three countries Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zambia. NGOs, PLHWAs, researchers, policy makers and government participated to design the structure and content of the toolkit.

Results

The toolkit identifies key stages in reducing stigma in three sections of the manual. The first section tackles the root causes of stigma, including: recognizing what stigma looks like and how it hurts people; knowledge and fear, and the shame and blame attached to being HIV positive. The second section works directly with affected groups (e.g. PLWHA, families, orphans) to enable them to cope better with the infection and with stigma and discrimination. The third section suggests ways that front-line workers and communities can plan to reduce stigma and discrimination. The first version of the toolkit will be ready for distribution by the end of August 2003.

Conclusion

The toolkit is designed to better understand stigma, to help plan and organize educational sessions to raise awareness about stigma and discrimination and to promote practical actions to challenge HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination.

Subject group: Stigma and Communication

Authors: Titus Kafuna

Organization: ZAMBART Project and KCTT

Address: P. O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: 260-1-237919/254710
E-mail: stopstig@zamnet.zm

Presenter: Titus Kafuna

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Stigma and Communication using theatre from Community Action (TCA) for IEC

Objectives

To utilize theatre and its forms of drama for communities' call of action for information, education, entertainment and communication of correct message and creation of entry points into the community.

Methods

Use of drama performances.

Results

Creates an impact through entry points formed after a theatre performance.

To reduce stigma and discrimination by influencing positive living through the community Action Groups and trained Theatre groups

Conclusions

The use of theatre is culturally appreciated and is a widely recommendable intervention for broader disseminations.

Subject group: Stigma and Communication

Authors: YOCUPA

Organization: Youth Cultural Promotion Association (YOCUPA)

Address: P. O. Box 169, Chawama, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: 260-97-809376, Fax: 260-1-253881
E-mail: yocupa@hotmail.co

Presenter: Sylvester K. W. Banda

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ABSTRACT FORM

Title: Generating dialogue and community action towards stigma reduction using participatory print aids.

Background

The issues surrounding stigma are complex in many communities in Africa and the world over. HIV/AIDS is still viewed as a socially unacceptable condition in many communities. Awareness about the effects of stigmatising and discriminating people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS is still an area, which needs intervention.

Methods

Participatory approaches are effective in creating an environment for communities to appraise themselves. Creating awareness only is not enough to deal with problematic issues such as stigma and discrimination. Reinforcing the behaviour is critical in achieving a sustainable environment for communication about such issues. Tsungirirai an AIDS Service Organization in its HIV/AIDS programmes is aware of the need to deal with stigma and discrimination effectively. Participatory visual aids in the form of picture codes, flash cards and case studies were used by Tsungirirai officers in generating dialogue and discussion among the communities, targeting stigma and discrimination of people affected by AIDS.

Results

Community key leaders such as chiefs, counselors, village head and church leaders were engaged in dialogue session using visual aids to raise awareness among them of the effects of stigma and discrimination. By discussing issues portrayed by the pictures and case studies the leaders appreciated the need to deal with stigma in their communities. Committees were formed to act as watchdogs in the community to deal with issues surrounding stigma and discrimination.

Conclusion

Lack of information contributes a great deal towards stigma and discrimination hence continual education and reinforcement is needed. Stigma cuts across all levels of society effective communication methods should be employed to reduce if not remove the stigma attached to AIDS.

Subject group: Stigma and Communication

Authors: J Mucheri

Organization: Tsungirirai

Address: P. O. Box 107, Norton , Zimbabwe
Tel: 263-62-2996, Fax: 263-62-2390
E-mail: tsungi@mweb.co.zw

Presenter: J Mucheri

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Desclaimer: This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication is the sole responsibility of SANASO and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.