AEGiS-PRn: Research Shows Peer-Based Programs for HIV-Positive Women Empower This Rapid-Growing Population - HIV-Positive Women Reach Out Through Women Helping Women -

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Research Shows Peer-Based Programs for HIV-Positive Women Empower This Rapid-Growing Population - HIV-Positive Women Reach Out Through Women Helping Women -

PR Newswire; Wednesday July 1, 9:01 am EST

GENEVA, July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Reinforcing the value of enlisting community women to help prevent the spread of HIV, study findings presented today at the 12th World AIDS Conference reported the positive outcomes of a targeted program that recruits, trains and hires HIV-positive women to provide prevention education to women at risk for contracting HIV. These findings come on the heels of the CDC's report that women have the fastest growing incidence of HIV infection.

Women Helping Women is a network of peer-based programs targeted to underserved women, including women of color, sex workers, injection drug users, incarcerated women and survivors of domestic violence. The program engages women with HIV in serving as peer educators, teaching other women in their communities about HIV/AIDS risk, prevention, services and treatment options.

Since its inception in 1995, Women Helping Women has served 435 women. Of these, 143 have maintained long-term involvement with the program and, as a result, have made other positive life changes. Twenty-three have entered or completed drug addiction treatment; 16 have become HIV treatment educators; 13 have obtained full- or part-time jobs in other fields and 10 have gone on to pursue high school or college education.

"Women Helping Women is a unique program that empowers women," said Anna Forbes, a consultant to the program. "The project helps participants learn how to live with their HIV infection, move beyond the stigma and fear associated with it and use their experience to educate other women in the community about protecting themselves. The findings presented today demonstrate that HIV-positive women can play an invaluable role in strengthening their community's social and medical response to AIDS."

WHW graduates encourage women in their community to get tested for HIV; participate in services provided by local AIDS Service Organizations; seek regular primary care for themselves and their families; and reduce the sexual and/or drug-using behaviors that put them at risk for HIV.

The program is administered through local community-based organizations in New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico and is fully supported by a grant from Hoffmann-La Roche.

"The success of this program is no small feat," said Vivian Beetle, director of Community Affairs for Roche. "Woman Helping Women has helped change lives, strengthened AIDS service agencies and enhanced community support to HIV-positive and high-risk women."

Women Helping Women is one example of Roche's broad commitment to supporting community-based educational programs surrounding the prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS. Roche, maker of the newest protease inhibitor, FORTOVASE(TM), also supports AID Atlanta's Reconstruction Program, aimed at helping AIDS patients who are experiencing renewed health adjust to living with AIDS, as well as the Montefiore Medical Center's HIV/AIDS treatment workshops.

About Roche Laboratories Inc.

Roche Laboratories Inc. is the marketing and sales subsidiary of Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., a leading research-intensive pharmaceutical company. Roche Laboratories markets more than 35 medications in major therapeutic areas including AIDS, oncology, transplantation, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases and dermatology.

For further information about FORTOVASE(TM)

Patients can call: 800-910-4687

Healthcare professionals: 800-526-6367

Roche HIV Therapy Assistance Program: 800-282-7780

FORTOVASE Website: http://www.fortovase.com

For a copy of the FORTOVASE product package insert with complete prescribing information please call: Jeff Winton at 973-562-2373.

FORTOVASE(TM) is a trademark of Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.

SOURCE: Roche Laboratories Inc.

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