Care and Support of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).

Importance of care and support to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) include the following:

a. It enables them to prolong their lives in case they are administered with ARVs.

b. It reduces fear of death.

c. It enables them to perform their daily activities without fear.

d. It reduces depression and self dislike.


Necessary Care and Support Services Provided to PLWHA in the Family, Community and at School

People who are infected with HIV need care and support form their friends, families and the community, especially when they are ill. Friends and family members sometimes worry that they might be infected when caring for a person with HIV.

HIV cannot be passed on by touching, hugging, coughing, or sharing eating utensils. It is possible for people who are infected with HIV to live long healthy lives.


You can help those who are infected by:
  • showing love, respect and support; 
  • knowing the facts about HIV/AIDS and talking openly about the disease; 
  • helping to reduce stress and stressful situations; 
  • helping to provide balanced and nutritious meals; 
  • seeking for support from family and friends as well as from other people who are HIV positive; 
  • encouraging them to live with hope; 
  • encouraging them to be active. Do not stop them from doing things they like; 
  • spend time with the sick person. For example help them to prepare their meals, clean their rooms, make their beds and take them to a walk if they can walk. Encourage family and friend to do this too; 
  • encouraging them to get treatment if they are sick. Most infections are easily treated and cured, even if a person is HIV positive. 
  • Cleaning their houses, utensils, clothes, etc.; 
  • trying to relieve any pain the person may be feeling, for example by administering painkillers; and 
  • treating them with respect and dignity making them as comfortable as possible. 


Precautions to be taken when handling PLWHA and STIs.

a. There may be situations where you need to clean up body fluids or blood from someone infected with HIV. Do not touch body fluids such as blood, stool and urine with your bare hands. It is important to use rubber or plastic gloves or other barriers such as plastic bags or thick cloth to prevent direct contact. Make sure that you have these easily available at all times.

b. Wash the gloves or plastic bags in hot water every time after you have used them. Keep clothes and bedding with blood, diarrhoea or body fluids away from other washings.

c. Wash the bedding and clothes with soap. Hang them where there is a plenty of sunshine and air circulation to dry well.

d. Do not share toothbrushes, razors, skin piecing instruments, or needles.

e. Cover your wounds with a clean and sterile bandage. Buy disposable gloves so that once used they are discarded.

f. Dispose off properly the vomits or bandages used when dressing wounds.

g. Learn about the ways HIV can and cannot be transmitted. Talk to your friends and family. Contact your local clinic for more information
  

The Effects of Discrimination and Stigma to People Living with HIV/AIDS to the Individual, Family and Society

HIV-related stigma and discrimination exist worldwide, although they manifest themselves differently across countries, communities, religious groups and individuals.


Possible consequences of HIV-related stigma could be:
  • loss of income and livelihood 
  • loss of marriage and childbearing options 
  • poor care within the health sector 
  • withdrawal of caregiving in the home 
  • loss of hope and feelings of worthlessness 
  • loss of reputation