Ward Aids ProjectsMsunduzi Aids Strategy Rolling out

Why committee projectsA means of ensuring the implementation of Msunduzi Hiv/Aids StrategyDirect community involvement in the fight against Hiv/AidsDecision making forum for the communities themselves in issues directly affecting them

1

Formation of ward projects Initial contact done with the ward councillor The concillor will then call a community meeting to

introduce the subject In the same meeting the Msunduzi Aids Strategy

gets explained and a brainstorming exercise happens where community members have to identify their issues of concern around Hiv/Aids for example I.e.Orphans,sick people,lack/shortage of food and child headed families.

Possible solutions are then suggested by the very communities

Some guidance is provided by a Municipality Employee present 2

Volunteer Projects Community Volunteers will then

identify their training needs Common training needs are Hiv/Aids Educator Course Home Based Care Hiv/Aids Counselling Course Book Keeping Skills The City Health Department then

offers these trainings 3

Volunteer Logistics After having formed a group the

volunteers are to elect their executive committee who will be spearheading the project

Give themselves a name Draw up a constitution and open

a bank account e brief bullets, discuss details

verbally 4

Poverty alleviation Initiatives After the being trained at Peer Educators those trained

are then expected to facilitate one day workshops as a means of educational empowerment to their respective communities

When those workshops are being run ATICC member will be present to give support and guidance where necessary

An attendance register is taken for record keeping purposes

A R500 rand incentive is given to those facilitating where R200 rands will be for catering purposes and the remaining R300 will be shared among the three facilitators

Method of payment is a direct deposit to their bank account in a form of a cheque

5

Creche Programme At least three members from the

committee will be trained to go educate in creches and will be be given an incentive of R400 share amongst themselves

Ideally those involved in this programme will have some drama skills as they will be expected to act and dramatize their messages,this makes more sense to the little ones

The actors are all unemployed and this is some financial support for them 6

Soup Kitchen Most wards requested render a soup

kitchen service as this will help provide at least one balanced diet a day for those that are financially challenged,infected and affected by Hiv/Aids

The Municipality having been provided with a grocery list will do the buying and deliver to the respective points

The main beneficiaries are children infected and affected by Hiv/Aids at well at infected adult 7

Vegetable Gardens Volunteers have been encouraged

to start vegetable gardens Pieces of land had to be identified

an in some areas where a piece of land was not available they then had to have these gardens at their homes

These will help provide nutritious food for both the patient and the volunteers

Project Support City Health Employees are always

present when meetings are being held

Ward Councillors do support their HIV/AIDS ward projects and some also do avail themselves for meetings

Home-based care supplies are provided to the volunteers by the City Health Department

E-Pap is also provided

Conclusion Approximately 20 of 37 wards have

been covered and the remaining wards will be done next year

Priority have been given to rural and peri-urban communities

Challenges identified are child headed households

Stigma due to lack of knowledge Lack of food for children affected

by HIV/AIDS and the infected ones