Doussantousse S; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).

Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. D11577.

Medecins Sans Frontieres, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic

Methods: In depth interview of 18 (16 adults and 2 caretakers for infant) PWHIV (24% of total) attending MSF project. Focus group discussion for validation. Context: Since 2001 MSF Suisse has been supporting the Provincial Hospital of Savannakhet to provide the first free care and treatment for PWHIV in Lao PDR. Since 25th September 2003 42 PWHIV are provided with ARV treatment and follow up. Results: PWHIV in Savannakhet are essentially people who were migrant workers in Thailand, or spouses, or children. HIV testing is conducted with little respect for confidentiality and standard counselling. The delay before the test and medical care is detrimental to the care of PWHIV because of ignorance in the community and among health providers. The discrimination against PWHIV is notably minimal. The economic situation is deteriorated due to the disease. Families play a crucial role in supporting PWHIV. A users free and friendly health structure provides hope and prolongs life. PWHIV are organised in a self-help Association that provides information and comfort. The Association conveys respect to their members. The Provincial authorities are mobilised and support the PWHIV and the Association. PWHIV are hoping to enrol in the ARV program. Lessons learned: Providing care and support brings hope and reduced discrimination against PWHIV. The adherence rate to OI prevention treatment is high. Health staff and PWHIV are trained together. Association of PWHIV and their family has a significant i mpact and need to be reinforced on the verge of the ARV treatment. Recommendations: Incentive for transportation of PWHIV to the health service will be a key issue for improving the adherence. Additional training and support to the Association will play an important role in the adherence to ARV treatment. Access to counselling and testing at the district level should increase the access to ARV treatment in the Province.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Adult
• Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
• Child
• Counseling
• Health
• Health Planning
• Health Planning Guidelines
• Health Services
• Health Services Accessibility
• Humans
• Infant
• Interviews as Topic
• Laos
• Qualitative Research
• Thailand
• United States
• drug therapy
• education
• therapy

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0033821

UI: 102278037

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