Identifying and Testing Children at Increased Risk for HIV Through Caregivers: The Caregiver Project
The Caregiver Project addresses the need for increased pediatric HIV testing and early diagnosis in South Africa.
South Africa has the largest number of children living with HIV, yet access to pediatric HIV testing and care is limited. Few pediatric testing opportunities exist beyond prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Many of the children at highest risk of HIV infection are those orphaned by HIV and being cared for by elderly grandparents or other family members with limited access to HIV information. The Caregiver Project was designed to engage caregivers who were accessing government-administered grants and refer them to pediatric HIV services.
The Caregiver Project addresses the need for increased pediatric testing and early diagnosis in South Africa. This intervention takes a broader approach to delivering HIV testing services by recognizing the critical role of caregivers in accessing pediatric testing and other HIV services. In particular, nonparental, elderly caregivers of children need to be targeted with information, peer support, and referrals to services.
The intervention was conducted over six months at six grant disbursement sites in East London (Duncan Village and Mdantsane), Eastern Cape Province. Population Council researchers jointly recruited and trained a core group of 15 elderly female caregivers as outreach workers to counsel peers at these sites on grant disbursement days. Through peer education, the trained outreach workers set out to raise awareness among caregivers of the need for early HIV diagnosis and treatment for children, particularly those orphaned and now being cared for by others.
Basic demographic information also was gathered from caregivers, including documentation of the total number of children in their care. Using a unique referral card system, Council researchers were able to anonymously track the number of children who successfully accessed HIV testing services through the intervention. Thus far, the outreach workers have interacted with over 3,000 caregivers at these sites.
Next steps
The Population Council will continue to work with partners in the field to wrap up data-collection activities, analyze data, and compile a report and other research outputs for dissemination to stakeholders in South Africa. These results will enable further strengthening of the approach, in particular through developing new and innovative ways to build support for pediatric HIV diagnosis at the community level.
Identifying and testing children at increased risk for HIV through caregivers: The Caregiver Project (abstract) (PDF)
Poster presentation at 5th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention, Cape Town, 19-22 July
Mini,Nomtandazo Patricia; Scorgie,Fiona; Sheehy,Meredith; Kellerman,Scott E.
Publication date: 2009
Project Stats
Location: South Africa (East London, Eastern Cape Province)
Program(s):
HIV and AIDS
Topic(s):
HIV care, support, and treatment
HIV prevention
Orphans and vulnerable children
PMTCT and pediatric HIV
Duration: 10/2007 - 9/2010
Population Council researchers:
Meredith Sheehy
Non-Council collaborators:
Masimanyane Women"s Support Centre
University of Fort Hare, Nursing Department
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