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Addressing Gender Issues Related to HIV Treatment Adherence Programs (Activity Report)

Britt Herstad of HPI, TO1  
8/1/2010
English
pdf   Full Document (pdf 1,298.0 kb)

Abstract:

During 2009 and 2010, the USAID | Health Policy Initiative, Task Order 1 designed a short-term, pilot activity to identify and address HIV-positive women's and men's ability to adhere to HIV treatment in Tanzania. The purpose of the activity was to assist local groups of HIV-positive people in better understanding gender issues related to HIV treatment adherence as a first step in increasing adherence levels.

Gender inequity is recognized as a major barrier to effective care, treatment, and prevention efforts. As treatment programs are rolled out and scaled up, gender inequity can adversely affect adherence in different ways for HIV-positive women and HIV-positive men.

While most of the treatment adherence issues (e.g., poverty) facing women and men require significant resources and long-term investments, the pilot activity was able to expand on existing efforts and build the capacity of PLHIV to initiate awareness-raising and education activities related to issues in their communities. The workshops provided participants with the education and confidence they needed to undertake small initiatives in their own communities. The follow-up discussion showed that participants have provided outreach in numerous ways without specific resources. Participants' openness about their own status has facilitated their ability to gain other PLHIVs' trust and serve as educators. With time, participants increased involvement in their communities will likely lead to stronger HIV networks that work with District AIDS Committees and provide a broad level of support.

Document Type: Technical Reports: Global
No. of Pages: 34 
Country: Tanzania, AFRICA 
Keywords: Gender, GBV, S&D or Human Rights, Care and Support, PLHIV, GIPA, HIV/AIDS 

Last Updated 11/24/10

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