EMPOWERMENT OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AND AIDS: THE CASE OF TESFA BILICHITA CHARITABLE SOCIETY TO PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV

Abstract

This paper has the objective to assess the contributions of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) associations in empowering PLHIV and reversing the impacts and prevalence of HIV and AIDS with particular emphasis on the case of Tesfa Bilichita Charitable Society to PLHIV (TBCS+) in Assosa Woreda of BGRS. Qualitative method of in-depth interview, semi-structured interviews, focused group discussion (FGD), field observation and review of the pertinent documents were utilized as data gathering tools. Forty six participants were involved in the study. The study report is divided in to 6 sections: The first chapter is an introductory part, the second chapter states the review of related literatures, the third chapter deals with the study design and the study area, the fourth chapter discusses analysis and interpretation of data, the fifth chapter states the main findings and the sixth chapter discusses conclusion and recommendations. The findings of the study showed that the services provided by TBCS+ have contributed in empowering the members and averting the spread of the HIV virus and the impacts of the epidemic. All of the services of TBCS+ are relevant in empowering and reversing the impacts and prevalence of the epidemic, though the degree of the importance of the services varies from service to service. The provision of these services by TBCS+ have contributed in improving the health conditions and the socio-economic status of the members, enhancing the social relationships of the members among their fellow members and the wider community, bringing attitudinal changes among the members to the virus and promote positive living with HIV. The organization is working towards the realization of its objectives and addressing the needs and priorities of the members, though the efforts need to further strengthen.