AIDS Mitigation Initiative to Enhance Care and Support in Bukavu, Lubumbashi and Matadi (AMITIE)
Keywords: training,people living with HIV (PLHIV),peer outreach and education,orphans and other vulnerable youth,mental health,livelihoods,income-generating activities (IGAs)
AMITIE enhances the ability of communities and the government to respond to the needs of OVC and PLWH through home and facility based services. The project works in three cities to support Community Care Coalitions, reduce stigma through training, support youths as caregivers, train men as home-based care providers and implement house-hold income generating activities. The Project has adopted a client-centered approach to service delivery, supporting local networks to provide care and support.
Goal of the Practice
- Improve the quality of life for at least 7,500 OVC
- Improve the quality of life for at least 3,750 PLWH
Core Components
- Support for OVC through education stipends and vocational training
- Home-based psychosocial support, nutritional packages and hygiene and sanitation products
- Income generating activities, training and materials to start-up business
- Provide legal aid and support
- Support medical services with material support (not ARVs)
Noteworthy Results
- The project has exceeded it goal of enrolling 7,500 OVC and 3,750 into care and support programs with comprehensive services. 4,350 OVC were provided educational support and 571 have received vocational training. 405 OVC have been tested for HIV. 7,022 PLWH have been referred for care, 1,033 of whom have been put on ART. More than 20,000 have been provided food assistance.
Lessons Learned
- Communities are engaging to support OVC and PLWH. One thing that is needed is more comprehensive and inclusive national guidelines and harmonization among donors.
- Income generation activities need to incorporate greater training in self-reliance.
- While services were accessed and greatly valued, they don't, in and of themselves, address community perceptions regarding stigma and discrimination.
- Given the economic and political instability in this region of DRC, household vulnerability is increasing in general and in particular for OVC and PLWH households.
- The program enrolled significantly more women living with HIV. Strategies need to be developed that reach more men and provide them with critical services.
Focus Areas
Care and Support
Implemented By
Catholic Relief Services
Participating Organization
- World Vision
- Eglise de Christ du Congo
- Fondation Femmes Plus
- Avenier Meilleur pour les Orphelins du Congo and Diocesan Medical Office/Codilus.
Region
Africa
Country
Democratic Republic of Congo
Environment
Clinic/Health facility
Setting
Urban
Target Population
- Children (ages 2-12)
- People Living with HIV (PLWH)
Scope
10000 - 25000
Implementation Years
10/2005 - ongoing
