PDF File - hivpolicy.org

An Evaluation of the MoH/NGO Home Care Programme for People with HIV/AIDS in Cambodia5.11 Support groups and other linkagesDuring the internal review of the programmein June 1999, the HCTs identified the need toestablish support groups for PLHA. To date, sixsupport groups have been established by theHCTs, with a total of approximately 200 members.Many of the support group members arealso involved with home care, and some areVolunteers attached to the HCTs. The evaluationdid not talk specifically to the supportgroups, but discussions with patients, volunteersand the HCTs indicate that the supportgroups are starting to become an importantmechanism for education and psychologicalcare.While some HCTs are expanding their linkswithin the community, there appears to be nostrategic plans for identifying and establishinglinks with other community-based welfare andsupport initiatives. This will become increasinglyimportant as the numbers of patients expandand their needs and expectations begin toexceed what the HCTs can provide. As notedearlier in the report, the Volunteers can play auseful role here, given appropriate guidanceand support. However, the HCTs are alreadyfully stretched, and while the monthly meetingsof the HCNG sometimes address issuesof community links, the evaluation recommendsthat a more formal linking mechanismis established.It is suggested that the HCNG identifies andfunds one or more dedicated CommunityLiaison Officers, whose responsibility would beto map existing and new community resources,perhaps with the help of the Volunteers, andassist HCTs to facilitate the links betweenPLHA and these resources.It is recommended that that HCNG identifiesand supports Community LiaisonOfficers to improve and expand linksbetween HCTs and community-basedwelfare and support activities.pg 60