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CARE AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AT RISK (KNH-CAR PROJECT) |
One of the tragedies of the HIV/AIDS epidemic is the impact that it has had on children. Most children below fifteen years are infected through mother to child transmission or through blood transfusions, intravenous drug abuse or sexual abuse. The aim of this service is to improve the living condition and prolong the life span of children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and their families in by providing access to education, nutrition, health and by improving their socio-economic status. This service has four components
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Integrated Counseling and Testing Center: This center provides Pre- and Post- test counseling for HIV testing, Supportive Counseling, Crisis Counseling, counseling for ARV therapy, counseling for PMTCT and counseling for families of HIV positive individuals. So far about 2228 persons have been counseled. So far 2565 people have been counseled.
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| b. |
HIV/AIDS clinic – This clinic was established in 1998 and provides free consultation and services to HIV positive patients and their families. Three outpatient clinics are conducted per week. The medical team consists of a physician, a pediatrician, a family physician, a counselor, a social worker and a nurse. About 1000 patients and their families are cared for in this clinic. Free treatment is provided for diseases like tuberculosis and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV disease. Single mothers and parents are also provided free or subsidized ARV on a case-by-case basis. The organization liaises with a local hospital for inpatient services and deliveries.
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| c. |
Focus on children: This
program provides financial assistance in education of
children of HIV positive parents. It also provides nutritional
supplements to them. About 120 children receive support
for education and 80 for nutritional supplementation.
ASHA also has a picnic day, a sports day and an annual
day for these children. ASHA also supports older children
for vocational training.
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| d. |
Focus on women: At ASHA we have many women who are young widows or destitute. They are given vocational training in making paper bags, files, folders, paper pens, cards, candles, artificial flowers, etc., and these are marketed for them. Tailoring classes were held and they can sew salwar sets, blouses, mobile holders, purses, bags, frocks, cushion covers. They are trained in knitting shawls, sweaters etc They are also supported in individual ventures if they have a talent for it. ASHA networks with the local positive women’s network for training programs, job placements and legal help. Four self help groups have been formed and they meet on the third Sunday of every month. They are empowered through sessions on health, hygiene, counseling, HAART, adherence, legal rights, domestic violence etc. They avail of loans both from their SHG savings and from ASHA Foundation.
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