Marseille 2007
Marseille 2007
Abstract book
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Abstract #164  -  Implementing an integrated management framework to support HIV/AIDS programs regarding the children and youth in Amajuba District,
Session:
  40.7: Children (Parallel) on Tuesday @ 14.00-16.00 in PR Chaired by Lorraine Sherr, Peter Laugharn
Authors:
  Presenting Author:   Dr Busisiwe Nkosi - University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
 
  Additional Authors:  Ms Ashmin Singh,  
Aim:
The purpose of this paper is to share experiences regarding the value of an integrated management framework in developing partnerships between research organisations, communities and government departments aimed at strengthening service delivery in the Amajuba District, South Africa.
 
Method / Issue:
Issue: In a time when HIV/AIDS has such a devastating impact in South Africa, high prevalence rates necessitate the development of more rigorous and purposive programs to support the youth and the civil society to deal with these challenges. It is estimated that about 10.8% are living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. In KwaZulu-Natal the prevalence rate amongst 15-24 year olds is 16.1% and 7.9%. amongst 2-14 year olds. Children and the youth bear the brunt of this epidemic as a) they have high infection rates, b) are more likely to engage in risky behaviours such as unprotected sex, c) live with or take care of chronically ill adults often infected with HIV/AIDS, d) losing a parent at a young age. The integrated management framework (IMF) was envisaged within this context, and adopted in the Amajuba Child Health and Well-being Research Project (ACHWRP). ACHWRP is three-year longitudinal, community-based research project that is a collaboration between the Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division (HEARD) of the University of KwaZulu Natal in Durban, South Africa and the Center for International Health and Development (CIHD) at Boston University in the USA. The objectives of the research project are to document the impact of caregiver death on household dynamics and economic welfare among a cohort of school-going adolescents.
 
Results / Comments:
In adopting the integrated management framework, ACHWRP has been instrumental in using the research information with appropriate local agencies to construct a local level, integrated management plan for child welfare services. This partnership has led to the establishment of a referral system designed to assist communities in accessing government services such as social grants, as well as counselling services to the youth and their caregivers participating in the study.
 
Discussion:
One of the lessons learned is that researchers can assist communities without compromising ethical obligations and research protocol; and an interactive relationship between various governmental agents facilitates more efficient service delivery thereby alleviating the impact of HIV/AIDS in small but significant ways.
 
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