Shoniwa E, Drew RS; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1996 Jul 7-12; 11: 243 (abstract no. Th.D.253).
Family AIDS Support Organisation (FASO), Mutare, Zimbabwe. Fax: (263) 20 65281.
Issue: In Sub-Saharan Africa HIV/AIDS affects men and women equally. Stigma and discrimination are still experienced by people living with HIV/AIDS. Women face particular problems because of lack of financial independence, difficulties in negotiating safer sex and cultural practices associated with death and decision-making. Project: In 1992 a group of people living with HIV/AIDS started Family AIDS Support Organisation (FASO). This organisation seeks to provide various forms of support to members, most of whom are divorced or widowed women. Results: Although mutual psychological support is valued by members it has proved to be an inadequate primary focus for most group members in the light of pressing economic and financial problems. Efforts to supplement income through various projects have been helpful but have failed to meet expectations. Availability of modest amounts of credit have enabled members to pursue their own plans to make money. Skills training and teaching on aspects of positive living have also been of benefit to members. Lessons Learned: In Zimbabwe the word "support" is most commonly interpreted in material/financial terms. Most people who join support groups identify economic problems as their primary concern. Divorced or widowed women face particular problems in these areas. Enabling these women to earn income will make them financially independent so that they can make decisions that affect their own lives.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Africa South of the Sahara
- Behavior
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Planning
- Humans
- Income
- Male
- Organizations
- Safe Sex
- Self-Help Groups
- United States
- Zimbabwe
- education
Other ID:
UI: 102220274
From Meeting Abstracts