Optimizing Communication Strategies and Materials for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS and Their Caregivers

Grant period: October 2002 - November 2007

Cambodia has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Asia with 2.8% of the general population infected. In 2001 the estimated HIV+ population of Cambodia was more than 170,000. Over 80,000 women and men have died from AIDS since the beginning of the epidemic in 1980. The HIV+ infection rate is projected to increase to 258,000 by the year 2011 if the current rate of infection continues. The epidemic has spread beyond high-risk "core" groups, such as sex workers and intravenous drug users to the general population, with 4% of the total HIV infections occurring in newborns. Cambodia is projected to lose almost US$18 billion in unrealized earnings due to the loss in productivity arising from the epidemic.

Pact's approach

With support from the Pfizer Foundation, Pact works closely with the Cambodian Positive Network (CPN+), a network of support groups representing more than 4,000 positive people throughout the country, and the HIV/AIDS Coordinating Committee (HACC), a network of more than 70 HIV/AIDS organizations. The purpose of the project is to strengthen HIV/AIDS communications and education materials that target Cambodians living with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers. Pact is also building the organizational and financial capacity of these two organizations to enable them to scale up service delivery to meet the needs of persons living with HIV and AIDS (PLHAs). A national antidiscrimination campaign will be launched that will emphasize the importance of equal treatment and care.

The cornerstone of Pact's program is to empower PLHAs to take greater control of their lives and care and to encourage their caregivers to adopt a holistic approach to care. The first program of its kind in Cambodia, it is laying a strong foundation for future work to strengthen the capacity and voice of PLWHA organizations.

Results

A better understanding of HIV/AIDS in Cambodia. The project conducted HIV/AIDS research to create a foundation for information/education communications (IEC) materials developed by and for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs). The research was conducted in collaboration with CPN+ and HACC, including interviews with more than 30 international and local NGOs working in the field of HIV/AIDS and more than 50 individual PLHAs. Additionally, a Stigma and Discrimination Baseline Survey was conducted in the targeted provinces from May 6th-13th, 2005. The objective of the survey was to provide the program implementers with a better understanding of the levels of stigma and discrimination towards PLHAs in the community.

Stronger HIV/AIDS networks. The project provided mentoring and training to HIV/AIDS organizations, including the Cambodian People Living with HIV/AIDS Network, the HIV/AIDS Coordinating Committee, the Cambodian HIV/AIDS Human Rights Network, and the Greater Involvement of People with AIDS Program. Topics included strategic planning, proposal development, program and financial management, facilitation and communication, and group formation and mobilization. CPN+ and HACC are now conducting their own training workshops in some of these areas for local organizations. In collaboration with CPN+ and the PLHA Provincial Networks (PPN+), and with technical assistance from Pact, the PLHAs Empowerment Workers (PEWs) and Support Group Leaders (SGLs) organized community forums in three provinces in June 2005. The objective of these forums was to expand the HIV/AIDS network in these communities by increasing participation and involvement in supporting the people infected and ffected by HIV/AIDS in their community.

Creation of an IEC working group. The program established an IEC expert technical working group and a PLHA working group to provide first-hand knowledge and perspectives. Pact conducted training on IEC material development, focus groups, survey tools, and interviewing. With continued technical assistance, CPN+ and HACC are now producing their own IEC materials.

New publications for PLHAs. The program has produced several publications for PLHAs. One is a colorful booklet that talks about the lives of two people who have been living with HIV/AIDS for more than four years without antiretroviral treatment through practicing self-care and developing community support. Another is a simple publication that explains the rights of PLHAs as outlined in the HIV/AIDS law passed in 2002. Another is a booklet on prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections. The PLHAs IEC working group and CPN+, in collaboration with Pact, have drafted booklet that documents best practice experiences of a PPN+ Coordinator in Kampong Cham province who stands up against stigma and discrimination within her family and community. This booklet is set to be printed in August 2005.

Database of HIV/AIDS materials. The program has developed Cambodia's first searchable database of HIV/AIDS materials, which will be managed and updated by HACC. It will also be linked to the Ministry of Health and other organizations websites/databases.