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The training that is offered to volunteer caregivers has some gaps, for example, most
literature on training only mentions the type of training and it does not explain its content.
The training that is offered is usually of short duration and it only deals with single topic
areas such as HIV or T.B DOTS (Hancock et al., 200). For example, a study that was
performed in six countries (Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria and Cameroon)
on the significance of care giving work by the volunteer caregivers for PLWHA, shows that
when it comes to training, most of the participants received their training from either home-
based care organizations or from the governments. The percentage that received such training
ranges from 30% in Cameroon to 86% or more in Kenya, South Africa and Uganda. Of those
who received training, more than half (52%) received only a once-off initial training before
they started doing volunteer work. In contrast, 15% received ongoing weekly training. In
between are those who have been trained more than once, but receive training less regularly
than once a week. In Malawi, 94% of those who received special training received only a
once-off initial training. Cameroon has the highest percentage of care-givers who have
received training (46%) (Budlender, 2009).
Furthermore, the training that is offered to volunteer caregivers is not comprehensive enough
to cover all emerging diverse situations in caring for PLWHA (Ledwaba, 2005) such as basic
care nursing with regard to psychiatric symptoms and conditions (Uys, 2002). Additionally
this training does not equip volunteer caregivers to be professionals in their field like nurses
or doctors. There is lack of mentoring of volunteer caregivers which causes them not deliver
their services effectively (Campbell & Foulis, 2004). These gaps in training imply
insufficient knowledge for volunteer caregivers which can compromise the quality of care
given to patients and may result in fatality for most patients (Budlender, 2009).
Despite having insufficient materials, insufficient water supply, knowledge, support from
families and communities, lack of remuneration and facing stigma, volunteer caregivers
continue to work in HBC for PLWHA due to the positive contribution that they make in their
communities (Marincowitz, Jackson & Fehesen, 2004). Issues that motivate volunteer
caregivers to continue offering their services in HBC for PLWHA will be discussed in the
following section.
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