AN ASSESSMENT OF HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED CARE SERVICE TO PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO BALCHA IDI R LIDETA SUBCITY WOREDA-3

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the role and contribution of “Balcha Idir” in combating HIV/AIDS through Home and Community Based Care. Balcha Idir is in Addss Ababa Lideta sub-city Woreda-3.” Idir” which is community based association of people established with the aim of helping each other during burial and bereavement at the time of death of members and their families. Balcha Idir established by 45 people in1954 ET. Cal Balcha Idir start delivering Home and Community Based Care (HCBC) to bed ridden People Living with HIV AIDS (PLWHA) because of sickness of members and stigma and rejection face by family members, neighbors and the community. Secondly Balcha Idir renders HCBC to members and people outside the idir is to respond the national call combating HIV/AIDS. Balcha idir was looking for external support to strengthen its capacity because multi faces of HIV/AIDS. HCBC was impossible without working in collaboration and net working. At this time Hiwot Integrated Development Organization (HIDO) an endogenous organization which plan to work in collaboration with Idirs found Balcha Idir. Balcha Idir was one of the Idirs which HIDO build their capacity, with material and different trainings. After the trainings Balcha Idir members change their by law. “We shall start helping each other at the time of sickness of members and our families”After the capacity of the Idir build they Start delivering HCBC to the entire community of woreda-3 and other adjacent woredas. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The quantitative data gathering instrument is questionnaire and the qualitative data gathering instrument is in-depth interview and Focus Group Discussion. Subjects include in the study are PLWHA, Community volunteer care givers and HCBC committee members. The study involved strict respect for informed consent; participants of the study have the right to participate or not to participate. The study shows how Balcha IdirIdir contributes HCBC for the community and brought significant change that could improve the quality of life of PLWHA and their families. The study shows also the pervasive problems of PLWHA that are the problems of socio economic problems (Housing and food problems). The study recommended for the Idir and others who are concerned the following: prevention of new HIV infection, Job opportunities for PLWHA, holistic care and support to Orphans and vulnerable children, acknowledging community volunteer care givers and avail job opportunities, Balcha Idir capacity must be build for other development work.