AEGiS-15IAC: Intervention and solutions modeled by an NGO for the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the colombian caribbean.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Intervention and solutions modeled by an NGO for the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the colombian caribbean.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. C10272)

Garcia Burgos GB, Manjarres MB, Larrotta LV, Noriega NC, Fragozo FS, Yancen YT, Haag HL, Mora MC
Francois Xavier Bagnoud Association, Boston, United States

ISSUES: A comprehensive health service in the Caribbean Region of Colombia covers less than 35% of the population whose basic needs are unmet. The existence of HIV prevention programs is low. Early diagnosis is not considered a priority. Both sexual and mother to child transmissions of HIV are important avenues by which the epidemic is spreading.

DESCRIPTION: The Francois Xavier Bagnoud Foundation in Colombia has been providing access to comprehensive care and treatment (including nutritional, medical, and psychosocial) for HIV infected children and psychosocial support for their families in Barranquilla and surrounding areas since 1995. FXB Colombia also conducts workshops for adolescents, pregnant women, and the community at large on HIV prevention. Additionally, FXB Colombia conducts regular training workshops for health care providers in the diagnosis, care, treatment and support of HIV infected children. From July 2002 to June 2003, 1,796 members from the community received counseling and education on HIV prevention. Two hundred and sixty two health care providers were trained on the management of HIV pediatric patients and HIV pregnant mothers. 59 children living with HIV/AIDS received direct care, treatment and support at the Foundation and 57 families benefited from the program. Lesson Learned: Programs such as those implemented by FXB Colombia are in great demand in other areas of the Colombian Caribbean and should target those who are most vulnerable to HIV, namely women and children.

RECOMMENDATIONS: In order to limit the spread of HIV in the Colombian Caribbean, government officials should have the political will to commit more resources to fight the spread of HIV among the general population and to offer access to care and treatment to those already infected and affected by this epidemic.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV, HIV Seropositivity, HIV Infections, Disease Outbreaks, Population, Demography, Anti-HIV Agents, Counseling, Infection, Health Services, HIV-1, Caribbean Region, Colombia, Humans, Female, Adolescence, Child, Pregnancy, organization & administration, education

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C10272