Tearfund Disaster Management Key Learning
HIV
Last Updated: 15 November 2009
Specific actionable recommendations and relevant background information
1
Ensure you provide refresher training for staff so that levels of
awareness and accurate understanding of HIV is maintained
Source of Learning:
Various
Background Information:
We have learnt that it is essential that staff have a good understanding of HIV and have the
correct information in order for them to be able to implement HIV activities amongst communities.
This will also help to lessen stigma and discrimination which can often stem from misconceptions
of the facts. In a survey of field staff which looked at their attitudes and understanding of HIV we
found that understanding had actually decreased compared to a baseline survey carried out a
couple of years before. This highlights the difficulty of retaining knowledge due to staff turnover
and the importance of providing continual refresher training so that the desired level of staff
understanding is maintained.
2
Understand the epidemic and the context
Source of Learning:
Various
Background Information:
What HIV messages are given and what methodology is used must be determined on the context
and prevalence. We have learnt that what works in one country might not necessarily work
everywhere. We have also seen how partners are able to learn from one another across
countries.
3
Know your target group and understand your audience. Use
appropriate methodology to given prevention messages
Source of Learning:
Various
Background Information:
What you inform a 5 year old about HIV will be very different to what you tell a teenager.
Messages need to be tailor made to ensure appropriate information is given. Methodology also
needs to be appropriate to the audience – people don’t always react well to writing information on
flip charts. Consider multi media – radio, DVD and role plays.
4
Ensure you inform people about hope
Source of Learning:
Various
Background Information:
Almost all locations now have some sort of access to ARTs (logistically it may be difficult to get to
but they are there). Therefore it is important to ensure that HIV is highlighted as a dangerous and
hugely problematic disease in its effects to family and community but that there is hope for
anyone living with HIV as there is now treatment that can help people to live longer. It does not
have to be the death sentence that it once was if the right care and treatment is available. We
have also learnt that people need a lot of support to adhere to ART, and that just going on
treatment isn’t the whole solution.
5
HIV needs a comprehensive response and all the prevention options
need to be presented
Source of Learning:
Various
Background Information:
It is not enough to just discuss about ABC. There are multiple options available and people need
to make informed choices about what they consider are important and appropriate for them. No
one prevention method is enough.
• Increase awareness and knowledge
• Abstinence
• Be faithful
• Condoms
• Male Circumcision
• Treat STIs immediately
• Empower women financially and otherwise – in decision making etc
• Gender equality
•
•
•
6
Delay first sexual debut
Prevent SGBV
PPTCT
Reduce beneficiaries vulnerability towards HIV
Source of Learning:
Various
Background Information:
HIV is linked to many vulnerabilities that project participants are exposed to such as poverty,
gender inequality, detrimental cultural practices, sexual violence and poor infrastructure – such as
health and education. We have learnt that if these vulnerabilities are addressed and programmes
are designed to ensure beneficiaries do not increase their vulnerability towards HIV then this will
help reduce the likelihood of HIV.
7
Assist those people living with HIV to make their life easier
Source of Learning:
Various
Background Information:
Stigma and discrimination must be addressed both in the workplace and in areas such as the
church and within communities. Appropriate design of activities should help to ensure the needs
of those people living with HIV are met. Advocacy for services that are not currently provided is
essential.