Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - February 2, 2006
"Community-based Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers in a number of African countries, such as Zimbabwe, already have extensive experience in home-based care for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. It was natural for them to support people to follow prescribed doses and have sufficient food to take with the treatment," explained Bernard Gardiner, manager of the Global HIV/AIDS programme for the International Federation in Geneva.
"We are convinced that large scale access to treatment will not happen unless volunteer networks in the community are mobilized and supported, and people living with HIV and AIDS are empowered to take the lead role in their own care", he added.
The work of the International Federation in this field is being supported by the Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GNP+), which has just appointed Dr. Kevin Moody as its new International Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Dr. Moody has a special interest in training for health and community workers and extensive experience with the World Health Organization's (WHO) HIV treatment preparedness programme.
"Dr. Moody partnered with the Federation when he was still with the HIV/AIDS department of WHO. His special experience will serve to reinforce the partnership between the International Federation and GNP+ and help us further strengthen our programmes to help people living with HIV/AIDS, at the community level, where it is most effective," said Bernard Gardiner.
The International Federation is the UNAIDS collaborating centre for the reduction of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS, in collaboration with GNP+ at the global, regional and local levels.
In Asia, joint work has included assessing the special needs of people living with HIV/AIDS affected by the tsunami, to ensure appropriate response to their situation. In eastern and southern Africa, partnership officers have been employed by the International Federation to help implement Red Cross and Red Crescent programmes to support people living with HIV/AIDS, especially in remote rural areas. These officers also work with organizations representing people living with HIV/AIDS.
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