Infected and affected people are better included
When communities discuss the issue of HIV together, they understand each other better. From experience we see that People Living with HIV open up about their status when facilitators create a safe and understanding environment. Their community is then ready to support them. Back to results on HIV
"Stigma has been reduced and several communities have adopted community and homebased care for HIV+ persons." WHO/UNICEF evaluation in Papua New Guinea (2009)
A few examples:
 We need to help Koteshwari "Through SALT approach, saving groups of women have started including PLHIV in the group. A HIV positive woman, Koteshwari, was deserted by her husband. Her community also ostracized her. However, with the SALT approach the community accepted her and provided her help." Jayakar Kotte, from Share an Opportunity, India |
 No hiding anymore "Many people who were hiding in their homes (with HIV or disability) were encouraged by the [SALT] visits, and responded – they came out, and disclosed." Communication Officer of Rensida, network of People Living with HIV in Mozambique |
Walis Station takes care of PLHIV like their own family "We support two young girls who live with HIV as our family, so that they won't feel down," explains Jenny, from Walis Station (Papua New Guinea). This settlement, where a SALT team has introduced the ACP in 2007, is a real example in terms of inclusion. |
 It changed my life The AIDS Competence Process changed my life. I lost my two wives of AIDS and I felt totally lost and confused. Members of my family stigmatized me. Facilitators from the Constellation came to see me in my small health centre in the middle of nowhere and called me 'Sir'. 'Sir' they said. Nobody had called me Sir in a long time. They then highlighted all my achievements which I could no longer see and reminded me of my value, my dignity. I remembered that I was a 'Sir' and that I had achieved important things in my life and still wanted to achieve more. I managed to raise 1,000 $USD and set up a small VCT center." Dr Benda, Executive Secretary of PLHIV in DR-Congo More about our work in DR-Congo through PNMLS |
More experiences on Inclusion