Tanzania
Research Article
Use of Community Health Support Workers for Persons Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Rural Ethiopia: Lessons Learned
Author(s): Alan R. Lifson, Sale Workneh, Abera Hailemichael, Workneh Demissie, Lucy Slater and Tibebe ShenieAlan R. Lifson, Sale Workneh, Abera Hailemichael, Workneh Demissie, Lucy Slater and Tibebe Shenie
Background: Health facilities in rural, resource limited settings face multiple challenges responding to a growing demand for HIV treatment, including lack of adequate numbers of trained health workers. Many programs have used community health support workers (CHSWs) to provide specific services related to HIV care, and to complement facility-based treatment.
Methods: In rural southern Ethiopia, 13 HIV-positive CHSWs were assigned to 142 newly diagnosed HIV patients from the same community to provide: education on HIV treatment and health promoting behaviors; counseling and social support; and linkage to the HIV Clinic.
Results: Lessons learned in planning and implementing CHSW programs for PLWH include the benefits of: involving local health bureaus, clinicians, and the community; careful recruitment processes and selection criteria for CHSWs; use of local PLWH as CHS.. Read More»
DOI:
10.4172/2155-6113.1000324
Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research received 5061 citations as per Google Scholar report