Effectiveness of community based learning networks (CBLNs) in provision of intergraded HIV/ AIDS and reproductive health services to cross boarder mobile population case study of Busia hot spot

2^nd International Conference on HIV/AIDS, STDs, & STIs

October 27-29, 2014 Embassy Suites Las Vegas, USA

John Francis Oketcho

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J AIDS Clin Res

Abstract :

FOC-REV with support from IGAD-IRAPP through Uganda Aids Commission mobilizes cross boarder mobile population and the host communities for the access of comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment and social support services including HIV Counseling and Testing, health education, TB screening and referrals for treatment, Safe Male Circumcision (SMC) through its outreaches and the wellness Centre established right at the boarder point targeting the truck driver. FOCREV works with informal networks called Community Based Learning Networks (CBLN) which Includes Union of truck drivers, Association of Commercial sex workers, church leaders, peer educators and peer clubs in the community in the hot spot to disseminate messages for prevention of HIV/ AIDS and STIs, testing and treatment. As a result, 130 Home based care givers, 255 peer educators and 106 condom distributors were trained by 2013 in peer education, HIV/AIDS prevention strategies and Moon light HIV Counseling and testing. Between July 2013 and June 2014, a total 4006 individuals reached with HCT, 425 referred for different services including SMC, TB treatment, cotrimoxazole prophylaxis and other HIV/AIDS and STIs related services among others in different health units. 2,732 cross boarder mobile population (CBMPs), long distance truck drivers, Boda-boda riders, commercial sex workers and 8,780 youths and married/cohabiting couples were reached with ABC and AB interventions respectively in the hot spot area. FOC-REV focuses on the direct and indirect consequences of HIV/AIDS on the host communities as a result 3200 People living with HIV/AIDS were provided with Home based care services.

Biography :

John Francis Oketcho holds Master?s Degree in Development Studies from Kampala International University and Bachelor of Education Makerere University. He has served in senior positions and Boards and currently he is the Executive Director FOCREV Uganda. He also worked as a Project Director with Compassion International for a period of Five years; Francis is among the Board of Directors Uganda Networks of Aids Service Organization (UNASO), and Chairperson National Council for Coca Cola Uganda.